William of Jülich

Who was William of Jülich?

William of Jülich was one of the Flemish noblemen that opposed the annexation policies of the French king Philip IV - together with Pieter de Coninck.

He was also archdeacon at the prince-bishopric of Liège and the son of William of Jülich and Maria, a daughter of Guy of Dampierre, Count of Flanders. His connection to the count and his wish to avenge the imprisoning of his uncles Robert III of Bethune and William of Dendermonde by the French king presumably explains his support for the Flemish resistance. An extra incentive for this support could have been the murder of his uncle Walram, Count of Jülich by the French after the Battle of Bulskamp in 1297. The Flemish resistance led to the unexpected victory over the French during the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302. William of Jülich gained an other victory against the French in the Battle of Arques.

In 1304 however, the French king returned with an army and defeated the Flemings during the Battle of Mons-en-Pévèle. William died during this battle.