The coat of arms of the House of Poitiers

William IV, Duke of Aquitaine

William IV, known as Fier-a-bras or ‘proud arm’ who waged many wars across France. He was the Duke of Acquitaine from 963 until he retired to a monastery in 990.

The coat of arms of the House of Poitiers

William V, Duke of Aquitaine

William V, known as the Great, was a Duke of Aquitaine. He memorably refused the crown of a united Italy after realising the political situation on the peninsula was a mess.

A picture of William IX of Acquitaine

William IX, Duke of Aquitaine

William IX is best known as the first troubador – a vernacular lyric poet from the Occitane region – whose work survived. He is also remembered as one of the leaders of the Crusade of 1101.