William of Jülich

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Not to be confused with William of Jülich-Cleves-Berg.

William of Jülich (The Younger) (Dutch: Willem van Gulik (de Jongere)) (unknown - August 18, 1304) 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 Willem V of Gulik and Maria, a daughter of Gwijde van Dampierre, the count of Flanders. His connection to the count and his wish to avenge the imprisoning of his uncles Robrecht III van Bethune en Willem van 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 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.

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

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