Matilda of Boulogne

Matilda of Boulogne was a medieval queen consort of England, who lived from around 1105 to 1152.

She was the wife of King Stephen, who reigned from 1135 to 1154, and was the mother of their son, Eustace IV, who was intended to succeed his father as king but died before he could do so.

Matilda was the daughter of Eustace III, Count of Boulogne, and his wife, Mary of Scotland, who was the sister of King David I of Scotland. Matilda was therefore a member of a powerful noble family and had close ties to the Scottish monarchy.

Matilda married Stephen in 1125, when he was still just a nobleman, and they had five children together. When Stephen's uncle, King Henry I of England, died in 1135 without a male heir, Stephen seized the throne, but his claim was disputed by his cousin, Empress Matilda, the daughter of Henry I.

Matilda of Boulogne played an active role in supporting her husband's claim to the throne and in governing the kingdom as queen. She was known for her piety and charitable works, and was involved in the foundation of several religious houses.

During Stephen's reign, England was plunged into a period of civil war known as The Anarchy, as Empress Matilda and her supporters fought to overthrow Stephen. Matilda of Boulogne was a key figure in defending her husband's rule, and is said to have personally led troops into battle.

Matilda of Boulogne died in 1152 and was buried at Faversham Abbey in Kent.

After her death , the Anarchy ended with Henry II ( son of Empress Matilda) taking the throne, instead of her own children, who ruled Boulogne.