 He suppressed a revolt of the bourgeoisie in 1143 and participated in several military campaigns of the "Reconquista" in Spain (1134, 1146–47).He also increased the public character of the lordship in Montpellier and supported the growth of its trade.At the beginning of William's reign, secular authority in Montpellier was shared between the Guillem dynasty, the hereditary "viguiers" of the town, and the Bishop of Montpellier.