William I of Berg (c.1242 - 16 April 1308) was the son of Count Adolf VII of Berg and Margaret of Hochstaden.[1]
Upon the death of his brother, Count Adolf VIII of Berg, William succeeded as Count of Berg. He had previously served as a Monk but was absolved from his vows by the Pope. His tenure was marked by further conflicts with the Archbishop of Cologne. In 1300, he supported King Albert I of Germany against the Rhenish electors which strengthened his position against the Archbishop. He started foundations for monasteries and churches, including those in Beyenburg and Gräfrath. He was also a benefactor of the citizens of Hückeswagen.
William married Irmgard of Cleves (?-11 May 1319), widow of Conrad I of Saffenburg and daughter of Dietrich VI, Count of Cleves. William and Irmgard are buried in the Berg family vault of the Altenberg Cathedral. As William had no children, his nephew Adolf IX of Berg, son of his brother Henry of Berg, Lord of Windeck succeeded him as Count of Berg.
| Preceded by Adolf VIII |
Count of Berg 1296–1308 |
Succeeded by Adolf IX |