William de la Marck
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William de la Marck (died 1485) was an adventurer, originating in Germany. He became an important character in the late 15th century in the Prince-Bishopric of Liège. William's behaviour earned him the nickname The Wild Boar of the Ardennes.
In 1482 he had Louis of Bourbon, Bishop of Liège, assassinated, in order to replace him by his own son Jean de la Marck. He failed to have Jean accepted, and the next bishop was John of Hornes. This act led to a civil war in the prince-bishopric.
On May 21, 1484 a treaty was signed at Tongeren, whereby the de la Marck family forfeited its claims to the bishopric and supported Liège's struggle against Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor for the reward of 30,000 livres. Bouillon castle was mortgaged to William de la Marck until the time of repayment.
William's cousin Erard de la Marck became prince-bishop from 1506 till 1538.
His great-grandson William II de la Marck was an important leader of the Gueux de mer in the Eighty Years' War.
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