Background
William was son of Ebalus Manzer and Emilienne. He was born in Poitiers. He claimed the Duchy of Aquitaine from his father"s death, but the royal chancery did not recognise his ducal title until the year before his own death.
William was son of Ebalus Manzer and Emilienne. He was born in Poitiers. He claimed the Duchy of Aquitaine from his father"s death, but the royal chancery did not recognise his ducal title until the year before his own death.
He was also the Count of Poitou (as William I) from 935 and Count of Auvergne from 950. The primary sources for his reign are Ademar of Chabannes, Dudo of Saint-Quentin, and William of Jumièges. Shortly after the death of King Rudolph in 936, he was constrained to forfeit some land to Hugh the Great by Louis IV. He did it with grace, but his relationship with Hugh thenceforward deteriorated.
In 950, Hugh was reconciled with Louis and granted the duchies of Burgundy and Aquitaine.
He tried to conquer Aquitaine with Louis"s assistance, but William defeated them. Lothair, Louis"s successor, feared the power of William.
In August 955 he joined Hugh to besiege Poitiers, which resisted successfully. William, however, gave battle and was routed.
He was given the abbey of Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand, which remained in his house after his death.
He also built a library in the palace of Poitiers.
