William of Talou

William of Talou, Count of Talou (Arques) (before 1035–1086) was a powerful member of the Norman ducal family who exerted his influence during the early reign of William the Conqueror Duke of Normandy. Background William was the son of duke Richard II of Normandy by Papia of Envermeu. His brother was Mauger, who became archbishop of Rouen in or shortly after 1037. In 1035, following the death of Robert I of Normandy on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, William of Talou challenged his nephew's right to succeed his father, basing his own claim on a legitimate descent from Richard II. But the young Duke William had the backing of his powerful great-uncle, Robert II, the archbishop of Rouen. When Archbishop Robert died in 1037 there was a power vacuum and all of Normandy fell into disorder. In an apparent attempt to help stabilize the situation Mauger was made archbishop in Robert's place; and his brother William was made count of Talou, but, according to William of Jumièges, he was to hold his countship as a benefice in return for his faithful service to the young Duke William.