Matilda of Boulogne facts for kids

Matilda of Boulogne was an important queen in English history. She was the wife of King Stephen of England. Matilda was also the Countess of Boulogne, a title she received after her father passed away in 1125.

Early Life and Family

Matilda was born around 1105 in Boulogne, France. Her parents were Eustace III of Boulogne and Mary of Scotland. Mary, her mother, was the daughter of Malcolm III of Scotland and Saint Margaret. This made Matilda a member of a powerful family with connections to both French and Scottish royalty.

Marriage to King Stephen

Matilda married Stephen I of England in 1125. Their marriage was strong and loving. They had several children together. Sadly, two of their children, Baldwin and a daughter named Matilda, passed away young.

Later Life and Death

Matilda was a very active queen. She played an important role in the difficult time known as The Anarchy. This was a civil war in England between her husband, King Stephen, and his cousin, Empress Matilda. Queen Matilda helped her husband a lot during these challenging years.

Matilda died on May 3, 1152. She passed away at Hedingham Castle in Essex, England. She was buried at Faversham Abbey, a place she and Stephen had founded.