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William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset

1090 – 1155

English noble and supporter of Empress Matilda

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About William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset

Lived 1090 – 1155 (aged 64–65). William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset was an English feudatory.

William de Mohun of Dunster, Earl of Somerset (c. 1090 – c. 1155), 2nd feudal baron of Dunster, was a favourite of Empress Matilda and a loyal supporter of her in the war against King Stephen, during which he earned the epithet of the "Scourge of the West".

Life William was the son of William de Moion, who was seigneur of Moyon which is close to Saint-Lô. The elder William was High Sheriff of Somerset in 1084.

During the war between Matilda and Stephen, Stephen marched against Mohun's castle at Dunster, but finding it too hard to take, he left Henry de Tracy to keep Mohun under siege.

Empress Matilda conferred upon him the title Earl of Somerset, in 1141. In the foundation charter of the priory at Bruton , he describes himself as "Willielmus de Moyne, comes Somersetensis". Unlike Baldwin de Redvers who was created Earl of Devon by Matilda at around the same time, William's title was not recognised by Stephen or Henry II, Matilda's son, and his descendants did not use the title.

Family William de Mohun, Earl of Somerset, married Agnes de Gaunt, daughter of Walter de Gaunt and Maud of Brittany, daughter of Stephen, Count of Tréguier, 3rd Lord of Richmond (born btw. 1058/62died 21 April 1136), (he is sometimes misidentified as "Stephen, Count of Brittany").

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Important facts

Born
1090
Birth century
Died
1155
Occupation
Nationality
Positions held
Sheriff
Also known as
Scourge of the West, William de Mohun

People in William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset?

English noble and supporter of Empress Matilda

When was William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset born?

William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset was born in 1090.

When did William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset die?

William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset died in 1155.

What was William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset's occupation?

William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset was a feudatory.

What nationality was William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset?

William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset was English.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset

· Wikidata: Q3007349

· DBpedia: William de Mohun, Earl of Somerset

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset. https://biography.guide/william-de-mohun-of-dunster-1st-earl-of-somerset/

MLA: "William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-de-mohun-of-dunster-1st-earl-of-somerset/.

Chicago: "William de Mohun of Dunster, 1st Earl of Somerset." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-de-mohun-of-dunster-1st-earl-of-somerset/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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