William the Conqueror to go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Although some of his supporters tried to dissuade him from undertaking the journey, Robert convened a council in January 1035 and had the assembled Norman magnates swear fealty to William as his heir before leaving for Jerusalem. He died in early July at Nicea, on his way back to Normandy. William faced several challenges on becoming duke, including his illegitimate birth and his youth: the evidence indicates that he was either seven or eight years old at the time. He enjoyed the support of his great-uncle, Archbishop Robert, as well as the king of
George William, Duke of Liegnitz George William, Duke of Liegnitz George William (), also known as George IV William ; ; 29 September 1660 – 21 November 1675) was the last Silesian duke of Legnica and Brzeg from 1672 until his death. He was the last male member of the Silesian Piast dynasty descending from Władysław II the Exile (1105–1159). George William was the eldest but only surviving son of Duke Christian of Legnica-Brzeg (1618-1672) by his wife Louise (1631-1680), a daughter of the Ascanian prince John Casimir of Anhalt-Dessau. He had three siblings: As the only surviving son, George William was the sole heir