William, Count of Eu

William I, Count of Eu, was the illegitimate son of Richard I, Duke of Normandy. Born in 978, he became the Count of Eu and Hiémois after succeeding his nephew, Gilbert, who was murdered in 1040. William’s tenure was marked by a rebellion against his half-brother, Richard II, Duke of Normandy, which led to his capture and imprisonment.

Following his escape from imprisonment after five years, William was pardoned by Richard II and permitted to marry into the Harcourt family, marrying Lesceline, the daughter of Turquetil of Harcourt. They had three children, and their son Robert would go on to succeed William as count of Eu.