William FitzEmpress

William FitzEmpress, born on 22 July 1136 in Argentan, Normandy, was the youngest son of Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, and Empress Matilda. His siblings included Henry II of England and Geoffrey, Count of Nantes. His birth occurred during The Anarchy, a period of civil war in England over the succession of the crown. As his father engaged in battles in Normandy and his mother in campaigns in England, William had limited contact with his parents. In 1151, his father passed away, and his brother Henry became the head of the Angevin Dynasty.

William’s career began with his participation in military campaigns alongside his brother Henry, including the siege of Chinon in 1156. King Henry II considered making William king of Ireland in 1155, but the plan was scrapped. William was granted extensive lands in England and Normandy, making him one of the wealthiest men of his time. His proposed marriage to Isabel de Warenne was obstructed by Thomas Becket, leading to significant conflict within the family. William’s untimely death in 1164 at age 27 was rumored to be from a broken heart, and his burial took place in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Rouen.