William II, Count of Eu facts for kids

William II, Count of Eu, was an important nobleman from the time of the Norman Conquest of England. He was known as a "feudal baron" of Hastings, which meant he controlled a large area of land there. William was one of the first Anglo-Norman nobles, a Count of Eu, and also a rebel against the King. He died around the year 1095.

Who Was William II, Count of Eu?

Most historians believe that William II was the son of Robert, Count of Eu. His mother was Beatrix de Falaise. Robert, his father, passed away before 1093.

William's Life and Challenges

William of Eu was a very powerful landowner in England. He controlled about seventy-seven large estates, called manors, in the western part of the country.

Rebellion Against King William II

In 1088, William of Eu joined other powerful nobles in a rebellion against King William II of England. Even though he later made peace with the King, William of Eu soon became involved in another plot. Along with his wife's nephew, William of Aldrie, and other nobles like Roger de Lacy and Robert de Mowbray, he planned to remove King William II from the throne. Their goal was to replace him with Stephen of Aumale, who was the King's cousin.

The King's Response and William's Downfall

In 1095, the rebels seized four trading ships from Norway and refused to give back the goods. King William II reacted quickly. He launched a swift attack, outsmarting the rebels near Newcastle upon Tyne. The King captured a rebel stronghold at Morpeth in Northumberland. He then surrounded the rebels at Bamburgh Castle and built a new castle nearby to keep them trapped.

In January 1097, William of Eu was formally accused of disloyalty to the King in Salisbury. He was challenged to a trial by battle, a fight to the death to prove guilt or innocence. William was defeated by Geoffrey Baynard, a former important official from Yorkshire. William died sometime after this event and was buried in Hastings. His son, Henry, later inherited his title as Count of Eu and also became the Lord of Hastings.

William's Family Life

William II, Count of Eu, was married two times during his life.

First Marriage

His first wife was Beatrice de Builli. She was the daughter of Roger I de Builly, who was a feudal baron of Tickhill in Yorkshire. Beatrice was also the sister and heir of Roger II de Builli. William and Beatrice had one son together.

Second Marriage

William's second wife was Helisende d'Avranches. She was the daughter of Richard le Goz, Viscount of Avranches. Helisende was also the sister of Hugh d'Avranches, who became the Earl of Chester and died in 1101.