Career

He was a major figure in the financing of the First Crusade, and an expansionist. He was a close supporter of Emperor Henry IV, accompanying him on campaigns. In 1096 he took the whole Duchy of Godfrey of Bouillon as a pledge, for a sum of 1300 marks.

He also bought the château de Couvin from Baldwin II, Count of Hainaut.

At the same time he prevailed in a conflict over the comté de Brugeron, with Godfrey I of Leuven.