Baldwin I of Jerusalem fought for their brother, Godfrey of Bouillon, against Albert III, Count of Namur and Theoderic, Bishop of Verdun at Stenay in 1086. The childless Godfrey, who became duke of Lower Lotharingia in 1087, mentioned Baldwin in most of his charters of grant, indicating that Baldwin was regarded as his heir. Baldwin regularly visited the fortress of his wife's family at Conches-en-Ouche. Pope Urban II proclaimed the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont on 27November 1095. Godfrey of Bouillon decided to join the military campaign and sold or mortgaged his inherited domains to raise funds. One of his domains, the
Simon II of Clermont-Nesle king engaged the best available lawyers for his case. The conflict led in 1309 to the moving of the Papal court, under Pope Clement V (c. 1264–1314), to Avignon, outside the king's realm. Simon was a son of Simon II of Clermont, Seigneur of Ailly, Maulette and Nesle (c. 1216–1286) by Adele of Montfort (d. 1279), daughter of Amaury VI of Montfort. The father was a counsellor of King "Saint" Louis IX of France and was appointed regent ("lieutenant") while the king went away on the Seventh Crusade. Simon had three brothers and at least one sister, whose son was