Stephen, Count of Blois facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stephen
Seal of Stephen
Born	c. 1045
Died	19 May 1102 (aged 56–57) Ramla, Kingdom of Jerusalem
Noble family	Blois
Spouse(s)	Adela of Normandy
Issue	William, Count of Sully Odo of Blois Theobald II, Count of Champagne Adela Stephen, King of England Lucia-Mahaut, Countess of Chester Philip of Blois, Bishop of Châlons-sur-Marne Agnes de Puiset Alix of Joigni Henry, Bishop of Winchester Eleanor of Champagne
Father	Theobald III, Count of Blois
Mother	Garsinde du Maine

Stephen Henry was a powerful count from France. He was known as the Count of Blois and Chartres. Born around 1045, Stephen played a big part in the First Crusade, a major religious war in the Middle Ages. He led armies and helped capture important cities.

However, Stephen also faced challenges and made difficult choices during the crusades. He eventually returned to the Holy Land to complete his religious promises. He died there in 1102.

Stephen Henry: A Crusader's Story

Early Life and Family

Stephen Henry was the son of Theobald III, who was also a count. His mother was Gersent of Le Mans. Stephen married Adela of Normandy, a very important person. She was the daughter of William the Conqueror, who became King of England.

In 1089, Stephen became the Count of Blois and Chartres. He had actually been helping his father manage these lands since 1074.

Joining the First Crusade

Stephen was one of the main leaders of the First Crusade. This was a huge journey by European Christians to take back the Holy Land. Stephen often wrote exciting letters to his wife, Adela, about their progress.

He was present at the Siege of Nicaea, where a city was surrounded and attacked. Stephen wrote that the city's defenders gave up because they were scared of the crusaders' siege towers. Later, he helped lead the Siege of Antioch. This was another very important battle.

Challenges at Antioch

During the long Siege of Antioch, Stephen was chosen to help organize the army. His job included making sure the soldiers had enough food and supplies.

However, Stephen left the siege on June 2, 1098. This was just one day before the city was finally captured. His departure left his fellow crusaders in a tough spot. A large Turkish army was getting close.

On his way back home, Stephen met the Byzantine emperor, Alexios I Komnenos. The emperor was bringing his army to help the crusaders. Stephen convinced him that it was useless to continue. This decision by the emperor made the crusaders distrust the Byzantines even more.

The Crusade of 1101 and His End

When Stephen returned home, he felt ashamed for leaving the crusade early. He had not completed his religious promises. His wife, Adela, urged him to go back.

So, Stephen joined another crusade in 1101. Many others who had also returned home early joined him. He traveled to Constantinople and then to Jerusalem. There, he finally completed his vows.

In 1102, Stephen was on his way back home again. But King Baldwin of Jerusalem asked him to stay and fight. Stephen agreed to fight in the Second Battle of Ramla against the Fatimid army. During this battle, he was captured. Stephen was later executed, likely on May 19, 1102.

Stephen's Family Life

Stephen and Adela of Normandy had many children together. They married around 1090. Their children included:

• William, Count of Sully
• Theobald II, Count of Blois
• Odo, who died when he was young
• Stephen, King of England, who later became a king
• Lucia-Mahaut, who married Richard d'Avranches, 2nd Earl of Chester. Sadly, both drowned in a famous ship disaster in 1120 called the White Ship.
• Agnes, who married Hugh III of Le Puiset
• Eleanor
• Alix
• Adelaide
• Henry, Bishop of Winchester, who became an important church leader
• Humbert, who also died young