William de Croÿ facts for kids
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William II de Croÿ, Lord of Chièvres (1458 – 28 May 1521) was a very important nobleman. He came from the Low Countries, which are now parts of Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. William was the main teacher and chief advisor to Charles V. Charles V later became a powerful emperor.
Contents
Early Life and Important Roles
William was born in 1458. He was the second son of Philippe de Croÿ, Lord of Aarschot. William married Maria-Magdalena of Hamal. In 1485, he bought the areas of Beaumont and Chièvres from his father.
William was a skilled diplomat and leader. In 1489, he tried to help settle a rebellion against Maximilian of Austria. He was also chosen as a Knight of the Golden Fleece in 1491. This was a very respected group of knights.
Working with Philip the Handsome
In 1494, William joined the court of Philip the Handsome. Philip was the father of Charles V. William was in charge of money matters for the Low Countries. He was also the supreme commander of the army. Emperor Maximilian confirmed William in these important roles in 1510.
William as Charles V's Teacher and Advisor
In 1509, William became the main teacher for young Archduke Charles. Charles was only nine years old at the time. William helped Charles become the Duke of Burgundy. He also moved Charles away from his aunt's court. This allowed William to have more influence over the young prince.
Charles depended on William for advice. William helped Charles be declared old enough to rule at age fifteen. He also made William his Grand Chamberlain. When Charles formed his first council in 1515, William was a key member.
Titles and High Positions
Charles V rewarded William with many titles and lands. He was given the Duchy of Sora and Arce in 1516. Charles also made Beaumont a county and Aarschot a margraviate. William inherited Aarschot from his father in 1511.
William held many other important jobs, including:
- Grand-Bailli of Hainaut (1497–1503)
- Stadtholder (governor) of Namur (since 1503)
- Admiral of the Kingdom of Naples and Chief Admiral of all countries (in 1516)
- Chief of the Spanish treasury (since 1517)
Important Decisions and Influence
William gave Charles V advice on many big decisions. He suggested that Charles send his brother, Ferdinand, away from Spain. Ferdinand was popular in Spain and was born there. Charles was seen as a foreigner. William worried that Ferdinand might be used to start a revolt against Charles.
William also arranged for his twenty-year-old nephew, also named William, to become the Archbishop of Toledo. This was a very powerful and rich position. However, this choice upset many Spanish people. They thought a young, foreign person was not qualified for such an important religious role. This decision later helped cause the Revolt of the Comuneros in Spain.
Imperial Election and Martin Luther
William strongly believed that Charles should become the Holy Roman Emperor. He was present at the Diet of Worms in 1521. This was an important meeting where Martin Luther was asked to change his religious ideas. William was against harsh punishment for Luther and his followers.
Death
William died in 1521. The cause of his death was recorded as poison. Some people blamed followers of Martin Luther for his death. This was thought to be revenge for the Edict of Worms, which was issued just three days before William died.
William was married to Marie de Hamal, but they did not have children. His nephew, Philippe II de Croÿ, took over his titles.
Cultural Depiction
William de Croÿ has been shown in television. Helio Pedregal played him in the Spanish TV series Carlos, rey emperador (Carlos, King Emperor).
See also
In Spanish: Guillermo de Croy para niños
