William V, Duke of Jülich facts for kids

William V, Duke of Jülich (born around 1299 – died February 25 or 26, 1361) was an important German nobleman. He is sometimes called William I because he was the first Duke of Jülich. Before him, the rulers of Jülich were called Counts. Other people call him William VI, counting an earlier William as William V.

William V was the oldest son of Gerhard V of Jülich and Elisabeth of Brabant-Aarschot. His mother was the daughter of Godfrey of Brabant.

William's Important Role

William V was a very important person in the politics of his time. He was related to powerful rulers. He was the brother-in-law of both Edward III of England and Emperor Ludwig IV. This meant he had strong connections.

How Did William Influence Politics?

William used his wealth to help his family. He spent a lot of money to make sure his brother, Walram of Jülich, became the Archbishop of Cologne. This was a very powerful church position.

In 1337, William played a big part in forming an alliance between Germany and England. This alliance was a major reason why the Hundred Years' War began. William also strongly supported Emperor Ludwig. For a while, he even supported the Habsburg family against the House of Luxembourg in a war over who would rule Carinthia.

After the German-English alliance ended and his brother-in-law, Emperor Ludwig, died, William changed his support. He then sided with Emperor Charles IV. In 1352, he started a new tax on inheritances in the Heinsberg-Valkenburg/Monschau area.

William gained important positions thanks to his brother, the Archbishop. He also worked as a military leader for Flanders during the Hundred Years' War.

What Happened with His Sons?

In 1349, William's own sons fought against him. They were part of an uprising by some knights in Jülich. These knights did not want their lands to become part of a larger state. William was even put in prison by his sons. However, he was released in 1351 because people demanded it.

From Count to Duke

When his father died in 1328, William became the Count of Jülich. This was an important title.

Becoming a Margrave

In 1336, William was given the title of Margrave by his brother-in-law, Emperor Ludwig IV. A Margrave was a powerful noble who ruled a border area.

Becoming the First Duke

Later, in 1356–57, Emperor Charles IV raised William's rank even higher. He made William a Duke. This made William the very first Duke of Jülich.

William was also smart about arranging marriages for his children. For example, his son Gerhard married Margaret of Ravensberg. She was the heir to the lands of Berg and Ravensberg. This marriage helped William add more land and power to the House of Jülich.

When William died in 1361, his second son, William, became the new Duke. His oldest son had died before him. William and his wife are buried in Nideggen.

It seems William also held the title of Earl of Cambridge from 1340 until his death.

William's Family

On February 26, 1324, William married Joanna of Hainaut in Cologne. She was born around 1311 or 1313 and died in 1374. They had several children:

• Gerhard, who became Count of Berg and Ravensberg (born around 1325 – died 1360). He had children.
• William, who became Duke of Jülich (born around 1327 – died 1393).
• Richardis, who married Engelbert III of the Marck.
• Mary, who married Godfrey II of Heinsberg.
• Reinold.
• Joanna, who married William I, Count of Isenburg-Wied.
• Elizabeth, who married John Plantagenet, 3rd Earl of Kent and Sir Eustache d'Aubrechicourt.