William I, Count of Boulogne facts for kids

William I (born around 1137 – died October 11, 1159) was an important noble in medieval England and France. He was also known as William of Blois. From 1153 until his death, he held the titles of Count of Boulogne and Earl of Surrey. He became Earl of Surrey because of his marriage. William was the second son of Stephen, King of England, and Matilda I, Countess of Boulogne.

Arms of William I

William's Early Life and Marriage

William was born around the year 1137. His father was Stephen, who became King of England. His mother was Matilda, the Countess of Boulogne. In 1148, William married Isabel de Warenne, 4th Countess of Surrey. She was a very wealthy heiress. This marriage made William the Earl of Surrey. He held this title because of his wife.

Becoming a Powerful Noble

In 1153, a big change happened in England. King Stephen had been fighting for the throne against his cousin, Empress Matilda. This long fight was known as the Anarchy. Stephen decided to make peace. He agreed that Henry Plantagenet, Empress Matilda's son, would be the next king. This meant Stephen's own elder son, Eustace, would not inherit the throne.

Eustace died soon after this agreement. After Eustace's death, King Stephen signed a peace agreement called the Treaty of Wallingford. This treaty officially ended the Anarchy. As part of the treaty, William received many lands. These lands were originally meant for both him and his older brother. This made William incredibly rich and powerful.

A New King and New Challenges

King Stephen died in 1154. Henry Plantagenet then became King Henry II of England. At first, King Henry allowed William to keep his title as Earl of Surrey. However, there were rumors of a plot against King Henry. Some people believed that William might have known about this plot. The plan was to harm Henry in Canterbury. Because of these rumors, King Henry quickly left Canterbury. He returned to Normandy, a region in France.

William's Death and Legacy

William I did not have any children. He died in 1159 when he was only about 22 years old. He passed away from a disease near Toulouse, a city in France. William was buried at a monastery called Montmorel in Poitou. After his death, his sister, Marie I, Countess of Boulogne, took over his title as Count of Boulogne. His widow, Isabel, later married Henry II's half-brother, Hamelin.