William of Nassau (1601–1627) facts for kids
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Willem van Nassau, Lord of De Lek was a Dutch soldier who served from 1620 until 1627. He was born on August 18, 1601, and sadly died on his 27th birthday, August 18, 1627.
Willem was the son of stadholder Maurice of Nassau, Prince of Orange and Margaretha van Mechelen. A stadholder was a powerful leader in the Dutch Republic, similar to a governor or head of state. Like his brothers and sisters born outside of marriage, Willem was given the family name Nassau-LaLecq. He was also known as the "Chevalier de Nassau," which means "Knight of Nassau" in French. After 1625, he was given lands and the important title "Lord of De Lek." This land and title were a gift from his father, meant to be passed down to Willem's children. His brother, Lodewijk van Nassau, held the title "Lord of Beverweerd and Odijk."
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Willem's Military Career
Willem began his military career in the Dutch army when he was 19 years old. He fought against Spain in the Dutch Revolt (1568–1648), a long war where the Dutch fought for their independence.
Rising Through the Ranks
By the age of 24, Willem had already achieved a high rank. He became a lieutenant-admiral for the regions of Holland and West Friesland. This meant he was a senior naval officer, taking over from the stadholder Frederik Hendrik.
The Cádiz Expedition
In 1625, Willem led Dutch ships that took part in the Cádiz expedition. This was a military operation where Dutch and English forces tried to capture the Spanish city of Cádiz.
The Siege of Grol
In the summer of 1627, Willem was involved in the Siege of Grol. A siege is when an army surrounds a town or fortress to try and capture it. On August 18, 1627, during the siege and not long before it ended, Willem was fighting alongside French troops at the front lines. He was hit by a bullet, and the wound was very serious. He died from his injuries on the same day, his 27th birthday. After his death, his brother Lodewijk inherited Willem's lands and title.
Family Life
Willem married Anna van der Noot in Sluis on April 4, 1627, just four months before he died. They did not have any children together. However, Willem did have a son named Willem Jonker van Nassau (1620–1679) with Barbara Augustinus Cocx.
See also
In Spanish: Guillermo de Nassau (1601-1627) para niños
