William VII of Montpellier | |
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Born | c. 1131 Château de Gallargues, near Montpellier |
Died | c. 1172 |
Noble family | Guilhem dynasty |
Spouse(s) | Matilda of Burgundy |
Father | William VI of Montpellier |
Mother | Sibylle |
William VII of Montpellier (c. 1131 — c. 1172), the eldest son of William VI and of his wife Sibylle, was as 12th century Lord of Montpellier.
Aged around 15, he inherited the lordship of Montpellier from his father in 1146[1] under the tutelage of his grandmother, Ermessende of Melgueil.[citation needed] His father had retired to a monastery leaving him the lordship.[1] The wealth of the estate was derived from Mediterranean trade at the port of Maguelone. Montpellier joined in a coalition aligned against the Count of Toulouse.[1] In 1156 he married Matilda of Burgundy, daughter of Hugh II, Duke of Burgundy.
He fell ill in 1171 and made his will on St Michael's day (29 September 1171), appointing his brother Gui Guerrejat and John of Montlaur, bishop of Maguelonne, as joint guardians of his 4 young sons. He probably died in September 1172.[2]
He and Matilda had nine children: