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'Matilda I' or 'Maud' (1105 – 3 May, 1152), was queen consort of the Kingdom of England, the wife of King Stephen. She was also sovereign Countess of Boulogne.

Contents

History

Family

History

She was born in Boulogne, France. She was the daughter of Eustace III, Count of Boulogne and his wife Princess Mary of Scotland, herself the daughter of King Malcolm III of Scotland and Saint Margaret of Scotland.
In 1119 Matilda married Stephen, Count of Mortain, later King of England, and proved his strongest supporter during the period of civil war known as the Anarchy. After her husband was captured, she went to London and looked for support from the nobility. She led an army of supporters and managed to capture Robert of Gloucester, whom she traded with her husband so that he was restored to freedom.
Around 1125, her father died and she succeeded as Countess of Boulogne. She ruled this area jointly with her husband until 1150, when she reigned alone until 1151, when the County was given to her eldest son Eustace, then her surviving son William inherited it, and then her daughter Marie.
Matilda died at Hedingham Castle, Essex, England and is buried at Faversham Abbey, which was founded by her and her husband.

Family

Stephen and Mathilda had three sons:

★ Eustace IV of Boulogne

★ Baldwin of Boulogne (d. before 1135)

★ William of Blois, Count of Mortain and Boulogne and Earl of Surrey.
They also had two daughters:

★ Matilda of Boulogne

★ Marie of Boulogne