Guillaume de Montfort (bishop of Paris)

Guillaume de Montfort (English: William of Montfort) (died 27 August 1101) was a French bishop, most notably the Bishop of Paris from 1095 to 1101.

Guillaume de Montfort
Paris
Church	Roman Catholic
Archdiocese	Paris
Province	Ile de France
Metropolis	Paris
Diocese	Paris
Installed	May 1095
Term ended	1101
Predecessor	Godfrey of Boulogne
Successor	Foulques of Paris
Orders
Ordination	September 1096
Personal details
Born	Guillaume de Montfort Before 1087 Yves
Died	27 August 1101 Paris
Nationality	French
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Parents	Simon I de Montfort Isabelle de Broyes
Occupation	Bishop

Early life

Montfort was the son of Simon I de Montfort. His date of birth is not known. He became a clerk to Saint Ivo of Chartres, the Bishop of Chartres.

Election

In 1095, Pope Urban II held the Council of Clermont at Clermont-Ferrand, France. It excommunicated Philip I of France and Bertrade de Montfort, William's sister, for adultery. William had been noted as a great supporter of Urban II, and after the death of Geoffrey of Boulogne on 1 May 1095 he was in the running to become Bishop of Paris.

As the queen's brother, he held considerable power and sway over the council that elected him - he was also known for his religious devotion. However, he was young and a fairly minor member of the French church.

Urban II considered Montfort a viable choice for the bishopric, however due to his relations to the excommunicated Philip I he was not chosen. However, in July 1096 Philip's excommunication was lifted and the Pope allowed him to become bishop.

Death

He fought in the First Crusade, but was killed there in battle on 27 August 1101.

References

• Gobry, Ivan (2003). Histoire des Rois de France.