Matilda I, Countess of Boulogne: Difference between revisions
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'''Matilda''' (c.1105 – 3 May 1152) was [[Countess of Boulogne]] in her own right from 1125 and [[Queen consort of England|Queen of England]] from the accession of her husband, [[Stephen, King of England|Stephen]], in 1135 until her death in 1152. She supported Stephen in [[the Anarchy|his struggle]] for the English throne against their mutual cousin [[Empress Matilda]]. She played an unusually active role for a woman of the period when her husband was captured, and proved herself an effective general who managed to force the Empress to release Stephen. Under the agreement that settled the civil war, the Queen's children did not inherit the English throne; however, her three surviving children ruled Boulogne in turn as [[Eustace IV]], [[William I, Count of Boulogne|William I]], and [[Marie I, Countess of Boulogne|Marie I]]. |
'''Matilda''' (c.1105 – 3 May 1152) was [[Countess of Boulogne]] in her own right from 1125 and [[Queen consort of England|Queen of England]] from the accession of her husband, [[Stephen, King of England|Stephen]], in 1135 until her death in 1152. She supported Stephen in [[the Anarchy|his struggle]] for the English throne against their mutual cousin [[Empress Matilda]]. She played an unusually active role for a woman of the period when her husband was captured, and proved herself an effective general who managed to force the Empress to release Stephen. Under the agreement that settled the civil war, the Queen's children did not inherit the English throne; however, her three surviving children ruled Boulogne in turn as [[Eustace IV]], [[William I, Count of Boulogne|William I]], and [[Marie I, Countess of Boulogne|Marie I]]. |
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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Matilda was born in [[Boulogne-sur-Mer|Boulogne]], [[Kingdom of France|France]]. Her father was Count [[Eustace III of Boulogne]]. Her mother, [[Mary of Scotland (1082–1116)|Mary]], was the daughter of King [[Malcolm III of Scotland]] and [[Saint Margaret of Scotland]]. Through her maternal grandmother, Matilda was descended from the Anglo-Saxon [[kings of England]].{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} |
Matilda was born in [[Boulogne-sur-Mer|Boulogne]], [[Kingdom of France|France]]. Her father was Count [[Eustace III of Boulogne]]. Her mother, [[Mary of Scotland (1082–1116)|Mary]], was the daughter of King [[Malcolm III of Scotland]] and [[Saint Margaret of Scotland]]. Through her maternal grandmother, Matilda was descended from the Anglo-Saxon [[kings of England]].{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} Matilda is a representation for female lordship in the Middle Ages and is a great example of how a Queen ruled in the absence of a male figure. The [[Historiography]] of Matilda I, provides powerful information on complexities of researching the lives of medieval noblewomen. While Matilda is not as well-known as other medieval figures or leaders, her story is still a valuable part of the Middle Ages and medieval England and France. It is important to note that the historiography of Matilda I is very limited compared to more famous Middle Age figures. |
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==Countess of Boulogne== |
==Countess of Boulogne== |
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== Queenship == |
== Queenship == |
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On the death of [[Henry I of England]] in 1135, Stephen |
On the death of [[Henry I of England]] in 1135, Stephen worked quickly to England, taking advantage of Boulogne's control of the closest seaports, and was pronounced king, beating his rival, the [[Empress Matilda]]. Matilda of Boulogne was heavily pregnant at that time and crossed the Channel after giving birth to a son, [[William I, Count of Boulogne|William]], who would one day succeed as count of Boulogne. Matilda was crowned queen at Easter, on 22 March 1136.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> |
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Matilda was a supporter of the [[Knights Templar]]. She founded [[Cressing Temple]] in Essex in 1137 and [[Temple Cowley]] in Oxford in 1139.<ref>{{cite book | title=Queens Consort, England's Medieval Queens | last=Hilton | page=86 | year=2008 }}</ref> Like her predecessor, [[Matilda of Scotland]], she had a close relationship with the [[Holy Trinity Priory, Aldgate|Holy Trinity Priory at Aldgate]]. She took the prior as her confessor and two of her children were buried there.<ref>Duggan, page 330</ref> |
Matilda was a supporter of the [[Knights Templar]]. She founded [[Cressing Temple]] in Essex in 1137 and [[Temple Cowley]] in Oxford in 1139.<ref>{{cite book | title=Queens Consort, England's Medieval Queens | last=Hilton | page=86 | year=2008 }}</ref> Like her predecessor, [[Matilda of Scotland]], she had a close relationship with the [[Holy Trinity Priory, Aldgate|Holy Trinity Priory at Aldgate]]. She took the prior as her confessor and two of her children were buried there.<ref>Duggan, page 330</ref> |
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Matilda’s power of being a dominant feudal landholder gained popularity with the locals and also being married to the anointed king Stephen.The 12th century also started the second [[Second Crusade|Crusade]], which were a series of multiple religious and military campaigns to the [[Holy Land|Holy Land.]] These campaigns had significant political and social impacts across the middle and Southern parts of Europe, including the region under Matilda I's rule. In a patriarchal, male dominated society, this gives major credit and recognition to Matilda for having the ability to wield power even when threatened by gender norms in the 12th Century. |
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In the civil war that followed, known as [[the Anarchy]], Matilda proved to be her husband's strongest supporter. When England was invaded in 1138, she called troops from Boulogne and its ally [[Flanders]], and besieged [[Dover Castle]] with success and then went north to [[Durham, England|Durham]], where she made a treaty with [[David I of Scotland]] in 1139.<ref>{{cite book | title=Queens Consort, England's Medieval Queens | last=Hilton | pages=89–90 | year=2008 }}</ref> |
In the civil war that followed, known as [[the Anarchy]], Matilda proved to be her husband's strongest supporter. When England was invaded in 1138, she called troops from Boulogne and its ally [[Flanders]], and besieged [[Dover Castle]] with success and then went north to [[Durham, England|Durham]], where she made a treaty with [[David I of Scotland]] in 1139.<ref>{{cite book | title=Queens Consort, England's Medieval Queens | last=Hilton | pages=89–90 | year=2008 }}</ref> |
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The historical context during Matilda I's rule was noticeable by her involvement and use of English politics during the Anarchy provided an extra layer of complexity to her rule. Another large area Matilda had to navigate was the [[Feudalism|Feudal System]]. The Feudal System was the social, political, and economic structure during Matilda's time and reign. Matilda involved and used a [[Hierarchy|hierarchical]] arrangement of lords, [[Vassal|vassals]], and [[Serfdom|serfs]], as well as land ownership as the basis of power and influence. |
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| ⚫ | After Stephen was captured at the [[Battle of Lincoln (1141)|Battle of Lincoln]] in 1141, she rallied the king's partisans, and raised an army with the help of [[William of Ypres]]. While the Empress Matilda waited in London to prepare her coronation, Matilda and Stephen's brother [[Henry of Blois]] had her chased out of the city. The Empress Matilda went on to besiege Henry of Blois at [[Winchester]]. Matilda of Boulogne then commanded her army to attack the besiegers. There was a [[Rout of Winchester|rout]] in which the Empress's half-brother, [[Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester|Robert of Gloucester]], was captured. |
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| ⚫ | After Stephen was captured at the [[Battle of Lincoln (1141)|Battle of Lincoln]] in 1141, she rallied the king's partisans, and raised an army with the help of [[William of Ypres]]. While the Empress Matilda waited in London to prepare her coronation, Matilda and Stephen's brother [[Henry of Blois]] had her chased out of the city. The Empress Matilda went on to besiege Henry of Blois at [[Winchester]]. Matilda of Boulogne then commanded her army to attack the besiegers. There was a [[Rout of Winchester|rout]] in which the Empress's half-brother, [[Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester|Robert of Gloucester]], was captured. Therefore, both Matildas then agreed to exchange prisoners and Stephen ruled as king again.<ref>Duggan, page 3</ref> |
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In 1147 she founded the [[Royal Foundation of St Katharine]], which still exists today.<ref>[https://www.rfsk.org.uk/history History page of the Foundation's official website]</ref> |
In 1147 she founded the [[Royal Foundation of St Katharine]], which still exists today.<ref>[https://www.rfsk.org.uk/history History page of the Foundation's official website]</ref> |
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* {{cite book | title=Queens Consort, England's Medieval Queens | last=Hilton | first=Lisa | authorlink=Lisa Hilton (writer)| year=2008 | publisher=Weidenfeld & Nichelson | location=Great Britain | isbn=978-0-7538-2611-9 }} |
* {{cite book | title=Queens Consort, England's Medieval Queens | last=Hilton | first=Lisa | authorlink=Lisa Hilton (writer)| year=2008 | publisher=Weidenfeld & Nichelson | location=Great Britain | isbn=978-0-7538-2611-9 }} |
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* {{cite book | title=King Stephen| author= Matthew, Donald| year=2002 | publisher=Carnegie Publishing }} |
* {{cite book | title=King Stephen| author= Matthew, Donald| year=2002 | publisher=Carnegie Publishing }} |
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* Bolton, Brenda and Christine Meek. In ''Aspects of Power and Authority in the Middle Ages'', London: Brepolis Publishing, 2008 |
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* Erler, Mary and Maryanne Kowaleski. ''Women and Power in the Middle Ages.'' Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1988, 2. |
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* Marjorie Chibnall, ''The Empress Matilda: Queen Consort, Queen Mother and Lady of the English'' (Oxford: Blackwell, 1991). p 89 |
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* Cooper , M. ''Haskins Society Journal 32: studies in medieval history''. BOYDELL PRESS.2020 |
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* Maddox, Donald, and Sara Sturm-Maddox. Essay. In ''The Medieval French Alexander'', 91. Albany, N.Y: State University of New York Press, 2002. |
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Revision as of 23:29, 7 December 2023
| Matilda | |
|---|---|
Eustace IV | |
| Born | c. 1105 Boulogne, France |
| Died | 3 May 1152 (aged c. 46–47) Hedingham Castle, Essex, England |
| Burial | |
| Spouse | |
| Issue more... | |
Mary of Scotland | |
Matilda (c.1105 – 3 May 1152) was
.Background
Matilda was born in
Countess of Boulogne
In 1125, Matilda married
On Eustace III's death, Matilda and her husband became joint rulers of Boulogne. Two children, a son and a daughter, were born to the countess and count of Boulogne during the reign of King Henry I of England, who had granted them a residence in London.[1] The son was named Baldwin, after Matilda's uncle King Baldwin I of Jerusalem.[1] The daughter was named Matilda. Baldwin died in early childhood and the young Matilda is thought to have died during childhood too, although she lived long enough to be espoused to Waleran de Meulan, Earl of Worcester.[1]
Queenship
On the death of Henry I of England in 1135, Stephen worked quickly to England, taking advantage of Boulogne's control of the closest seaports, and was pronounced king, beating his rival, the Empress Matilda. Matilda of Boulogne was heavily pregnant at that time and crossed the Channel after giving birth to a son, William, who would one day succeed as count of Boulogne. Matilda was crowned queen at Easter, on 22 March 1136.[1]
Matilda was a supporter of the
Matilda’s power of being a dominant feudal landholder gained popularity with the locals and also being married to the anointed king Stephen.The 12th century also started the second Crusade, which were a series of multiple religious and military campaigns to the Holy Land. These campaigns had significant political and social impacts across the middle and Southern parts of Europe, including the region under Matilda I's rule. In a patriarchal, male dominated society, this gives major credit and recognition to Matilda for having the ability to wield power even when threatened by gender norms in the 12th Century.
In the civil war that followed, known as the Anarchy, Matilda proved to be her husband's strongest supporter. When England was invaded in 1138, she called troops from Boulogne and its ally Flanders, and besieged Dover Castle with success and then went north to Durham, where she made a treaty with David I of Scotland in 1139.[4]
The historical context during Matilda I's rule was noticeable by her involvement and use of English politics during the Anarchy provided an extra layer of complexity to her rule. Another large area Matilda had to navigate was the Feudal System. The Feudal System was the social, political, and economic structure during Matilda's time and reign. Matilda involved and used a hierarchical arrangement of lords, vassals, and serfs, as well as land ownership as the basis of power and influence.
After Stephen was captured at the Battle of Lincoln in 1141, she rallied the king's partisans, and raised an army with the help of William of Ypres. While the Empress Matilda waited in London to prepare her coronation, Matilda and Stephen's brother Henry of Blois had her chased out of the city. The Empress Matilda went on to besiege Henry of Blois at Winchester. Matilda of Boulogne then commanded her army to attack the besiegers. There was a rout in which the Empress's half-brother, Robert of Gloucester, was captured. Therefore, both Matildas then agreed to exchange prisoners and Stephen ruled as king again.[5]
In 1147 she founded the Royal Foundation of St Katharine, which still exists today.[6]
Matilda died of a fever in May 1152 at Hedingham Castle, Essex, England, and is buried at Faversham Abbey, which she and her husband founded.[1]
Issue
Stephen and Matilda had three sons:
- Eustace IV, Count of Boulogne, married Constance of France, no issue
- Baldwin of Boulogne (d. before 1135)
- William of Blois, Count of Mortain and Boulogne and Earl of Surrey, married Isabel de Warenne, no issue
They also had two daughters:
- Matilda of Boulogne, married Waleran de Beaumont, 1st Earl of Worcester, no issue
- Matthew of Alsace, had issue
Notes
- ^ a b c d e Agnes Strickland, Elisabeth Strickland: Lives of the Queens of England
- ^ Hilton (2008). Queens Consort, England's Medieval Queens. p. 86.
- ^ Duggan, page 330
- ^ Hilton (2008). Queens Consort, England's Medieval Queens. pp. 89–90.
- ^ Duggan, page 3
- ^ History page of the Foundation's official website
Sources
- Norgate, Kate (1894). "Matilda of Boulogne". Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 38. p. 53.
- Marjorie Chibnall, ‘Matilda (c.1103–1152)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [1].
- Duggan, Anne (1997). Queens and Queenship in Medieval Europe: Proceedings of a Conference Held at King's College London, April 1995. The Boydell Press.
- ISBN 978-0-7538-2611-9.
- Matthew, Donald (2002). King Stephen. Carnegie Publishing.
- Bolton, Brenda and Christine Meek. In Aspects of Power and Authority in the Middle Ages, London: Brepolis Publishing, 2008
- Erler, Mary and Maryanne Kowaleski. Women and Power in the Middle Ages. Athens: University of Georgia Press, 1988, 2.
- Marjorie Chibnall, The Empress Matilda: Queen Consort, Queen Mother and Lady of the English (Oxford: Blackwell, 1991). p 89
- Cooper , M. Haskins Society Journal 32: studies in medieval history. BOYDELL PRESS.2020
- Maddox, Donald, and Sara Sturm-Maddox. Essay. In The Medieval French Alexander, 91. Albany, N.Y: State University of New York Press, 2002.
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