William IX, Count of Poitiers facts for kids

Quick facts for kids William IX
William IX, from an early 14th century genealogical tree British Library Royal MS 14 B VI.
Count of Poitiers
Reign	1153–1156
Predecessor	Henry and Eleanor
Successor	Henry and Eleanor
Born	17 August 1153 Normandy, France
Died	1156 (aged 2–3) Wallingford Castle, Berkshire
Burial	Reading Abbey, Berkshire
House	Plantagenet / Angevin
Father	Henry II, King of England
Mother	Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine

William was the first son of King Henry II of England and Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine. He was born in Normandy, France, on August 17, 1153. This was the same day that his father's rival, Eustace IV of Boulogne, passed away.

William died young, either at age two or three. He passed away in 1156 at Wallingford Castle. He was buried at Reading Abbey, next to his great-grandfather, King Henry I of England.

William's Title

At the time of his death, William held the title of Count of Poitiers. This title was given to him by his mother, Eleanor. For many years, the dukes of Aquitaine had held this title. Eleanor's father had passed it down to her. By giving it to William, she made it a separate title again, distinct from the main duchy.

Was William an Archbishop?

Some people have thought that William also held the title of "Archbishop of York." However, this is likely a mistake. His half-brother, Geoffrey, was born a year before William. Geoffrey later became the Archbishop of York. This might have caused the confusion.

See also

In Spanish: Guillermo, conde de Poitiers para niños