William II, Viscount of Béarn facts for kids
Guillem Ramon de Moncada (died 1229) was an important leader in his time. He was also known as Guillermo II de Bearn. From 1224 until his death, he was the Lord of Montcada and Castellví de Rosanes in Catalonia. He was also the Viscount of Bearn, Marsan, Gabardan, and Brulhois. These lands are in what is now southwest France. His father was Guillem Ramon de Montcada, and his mother was Guilleuma de Castellvell.
Guillem Ramon de Moncada played a big part in the politics of the Kingdom of Aragon. Many powerful families wanted to influence the young King James I. Guillem was especially involved in planning the invasion of the Balearic islands.
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Leaving Aragonese Influence
In February 1228, Guillem visited Bearn for the last time. He promised to support the King of England for all his lands in Aquitaine. These lands included Bearn, Gabardan, Brulhois, and Captieux. This promise meant that Bearn started to move away from the Aragonese kingdom. It began to become more connected to England.
Planning the Conquest of Majorca
After his visit to Bearn, Guillem returned to Catalonia. He was a key figure in a meeting held in Salou. At this meeting, they planned the conquest of Majorca. In September 1229, the fleet sailed for Majorca. Guillermo was in charge of the very first ship.
The Battle of Portopí
The troops landed easily on September 12. However, they soon faced a battle called Portopí. This battle marked the beginning of the conquest of Majorca. Sadly, Guillermo was killed during this fight. Eight other knights from his family also died, including his nephew Ramon de Moncada. They died in the Sierra de Na Burguesa area near Calvia.
After the island was conquered by the Crown of Aragon, the town of Costitx was given to Guillermo II de Bearn's family. His tomb is in the church of the Monastery of Santes Creus.
Guillem Ramon de Moncada's Family
Guillem Ramon de Moncada had two children with his wife, Garsenda. Garsenda was the daughter of Alfonso II, Count of Provence and Garsenda de Folcarquier.
- Gastón: He took over as Viscount of Béarn in 1229 after his father's death. He became Gastón VII.
- Constanza de Béarn: She married Diego López III de Haro, who was the Lord of Vizcaya.
Constanza de Béarn is an ancestor of many famous people. These include Queen Victoria, Catherine the Great, and Felipe VI. She is also an ancestor of Duchess Marie Elisabeth of Saxony, Anne of Bohemia and Hungary, Marie de' Medici, Charles II of England, and Philip V of Spain. Constanza's family line can be traced back even further to Garsenda, Countess of Forcalquier.
See also
In Spanish: Guillermo II de Bearne para niños
