William IV, Count of Ponthieu facts for kids

William IV Talvas (born 1179 – died October 4, 1221) was an important count in northern France. He was known as William III, Count of Ponthieu, and also William IV from the Bellême/Montgomery family. Ponthieu was a small area that was under the rule of the dukes of Normandy. These dukes later became kings of England.

Who Was William IV?

William was the son of John I, Count of Ponthieu, and Beatrice de St Pol. His father, John I, passed away in 1191. John I was the son of Guy II, Count of Ponthieu, who died during the Second Crusade in 1147.

A Military Leader

William IV was a skilled army commander. He played a key role in the Anglo-French War (1202–1214). This was a major conflict between England and France.

In 1214, William was one of the leaders of the French army's left side. This was during the important Battle of Bouvines. He also took part in the Albigensian Crusade. This was a military campaign in southern France. During the siege of Termes in 1210, William and another count decided to leave the siege after completing their duties.

His Marriage to Alys

William married Alys, Countess of the Vexin on August 20, 1195. Alys was the daughter of King Louis VII of France. She was about eighteen years older than William.

Alys had previously been engaged to King Richard the Lionheart. However, Richard decided not to marry her and sent her back to her brother, King Philip II of France. King Philip then arranged for Alys to marry William Talvas.

In 1199, Alys gave birth to their daughter, Marie. Marie became William's only child and his heir. William Talvas passed away in 1221, and his daughter Marie inherited his title as Countess of Ponthieu.