William III, Count of Nevers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William III, Count of Nevers
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| Count of Nevers | |
| Reign | 1148 – 1161 |
| Predecessor | William II |
| Successor | William IV |
| Born | c. 1107 |
| Died | 21 November 1161 |
| Spouse(s) | Ida |
| Issue | William IV, Count of Nevers Guy, Count of Nevers Renaud Adelaide Ermengarde |
| Father | William II, Count of Nevers |
| Mother | Adelaide |
William III, Count of Nevers (born around 1107 – died November 21, 1161) was an important leader in France. He held the title of Count of Nevers, Auxerre, and Tonnerre from 1148 to 1161. He was born in a place called Auxerre.
His Family and Background
William III was the son of William II of Nevers and his wife, Adelaide. We don't know much about his mother's family.
He had a brother named Renaud of Nevers. Renaud was the Count of Tonnerre. Sadly, Renaud died in 1148 while fighting in the Second Crusade. Another brother, Robert of Nevers, is mentioned in old records from 1134. William III also had a sister named Anne of Nevers. She married William VIII, Count of Auvergne. Anne and William VIII had a son named Robert IV, Count of Auvergne.
William's Life and Role
When William III was younger, he helped his father make important legal decisions. Records show him doing this in 1121 and 1134.
In 1137, William III joined Geoffrey V of Anjou in a journey into Duchy of Normandy. This was part of a big conflict in England. It was a fight between Empress Matilda and her cousin, Stephen of England. This long struggle lasted from 1135 to 1154 and is known as The Anarchy. It was a time of great disorder in England.
William III also joined Louis VII of France on the Second Crusade. This was a major religious war. While he was away, his father passed away on August 21, 1148. William III then became the new Count of Nevers and Auxerre. He also took over as Count of Tonnerre around the same time, after his younger brother Renaud died.
His Marriage and Children
William III married a woman named Ida of Sponheim. Her father was Engelbert, Duke of Carinthia, and her mother was Uta of Passau.
William and Ida had at least five children:
- William IV, Count of Nevers (died in 1168). He became Count after his father.
- Guy, Count of Nevers (died in 1175). He also became Count later.
- Renaud of Nevers. He was the Lord of Decize. He died during the Third Crusade at the Siege of Acre (1189–91).
- Adelaide of Nevers. She married Renaud IV, who was the Count of Joigny.
- Ermengarde of Nevers.
