his mother was catherine of savoy († 1388), daughter of louis ii of savoy, baron of vaud, and isabella of châlon. his rule as marquis of namur was a peaceful one, in which he devoted himself to encouraging commerce, industry and the building of fortifications. he did participate in 1408 in the suppression of a revolt by the people of liège, together with john the fearless, duke of burgundy , william iv, count of hainaut and louis vii, duke of bavaria.