Background
He was the son of Reinoud I van Brederode and Jolanda van Gennep van der Eem.
He was the son of Reinoud I van Brederode and Jolanda van Gennep van der Eem.
William was knighted in 1402 by William VI, count of Holland. William was strongly aligned with the Hook faction and supported Jacqueline of Bavaria in er claims on the inheritance of Holland and Zeeland, and he was present at the siege of Haarlem as commander of the fleet situated along the Spaarne river. He lost the naval battle of Wieringen, but managed to secure his freedom through his noble status.
He again supported Jacqueline during the siege of Gouda, but this battle was also lost.
William died at the age of 71 in France.