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
William FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Cleveland and Common Pleas, and Comptroller of the Seal and Green Wax Offices. The dukedom became extinct upon his death; however, it was recreated for his grand-nephew William Vane, 1st Duke of Cleveland. William FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Cleveland William FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Cleveland, 2nd Duke of Southampton (19 February 1698 – 18 May 1774) was an English nobleman, styled Earl of Chichester from birth until 1730. In 1730, he succeeded his father Charles as Duke of Southampton, Duke of Cleveland and Chief Butler of England. In 1731, he married Lady Henrietta Finch, the daughter of Daniel Finch, 2nd Earl