Godfrey of Bouillon

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Defender of the Holy Sepulchre

In office
July 22, 1099 - July 18, 1100
Succeeded by  |  Baldwin I (as King)

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Born  |  September 18, 1060
Boulogne, France
Died  |  July 18, 1100
Jerusalem, Israel

Godfrey of Bouillon (September 18, 1060 - July 18, 1100) was a Frankish noble who helped capture Jerusalem in the First Crusade. After the armies had captured Jerusalem the crusaders wished to make him king of the city, but Godfrey refused this title and said "I will not wear a crown of gold wear Our Lord wore a crown of thorns." So instead he declared himself the Defender of the Holy Sepulcher.