[citation needed] On the death of his older brother Anséric de Dampierre, who probably died young, he became his father's heir.

[1] This practice was relatively common at the time and allowed a son to have an income, while his parents were alive and to gain experience in the administration of a fief.

[1] He is one of the relatives of this count, actively participates in his court and is the witness of a large number of his charters.

[1] In 1165, William IV, Count of Nevers, Auxerre and Tonnerre, ravaged the Abbey of Vézelay.

[3] Around 1170, he received the title of constable of Champagne after the death of its previous holder, Eudes de Pougy.