William of Ypres

William of Ypres
Native name
Dutch: Willem van Yper
Bornc. 1090
Died24 January 1165[1]
Lo, Flanders
AllegianceStephen of Blois (from 1127)
Battles / warsThe Anarchy (1139-1154)
RelationsRobert I, Count of Flanders (grandfather)

William of Ypres (Dutch: Willem van Yper; c. 1090 – 24 January 1165[1]) was a Flemish nobleman and one of the first mercenary captains of the Middle Ages.[2] Following two unsuccessful bids for the County of Flanders, William became King Stephen of England's chief lieutenant during the civil war of 1139–54 known as the Anarchy. He held Kent, though not the title of earl, until the early years of King Henry II's reign, when he returned to Flanders.

  1. ^ a b 24 January 1164 O.S., 1165 N.S.
  2. ^ Isaac, Steven (2010). "William of Ypres". The Oxford Encyclopedia of Medieval Warfare and Military Technology. Vol. 3. Oxford University Press. pp. 451–452. ISBN 978-019533403-6.