Biography of Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois 1090-1152

Paternal Family Tree: Blois

Maternal Family Tree: Gerberge Unknown Viscountess Anjou

25th November 1120-Sinking of The White Ship

In 1080 [his father] Stephen Blois II Count Blois and Chartres [aged 35] and [his mother] Adela Normandy Countess Blois [aged 13] were married at Chartres [Map]. She by marriage Countess Blois. The difference in their ages was 22 years. She the daughter of [his grandfather] King William "Conqueror" I of England [aged 52] and [his grandmother] Matilda Flanders Queen Consort England [aged 49]. He the son of Theobald Blois III Count Blois [aged 68] and Gersenda Maine Countess Blois. They were third cousins.

In 1090 Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois was born to [his father] Stephen Blois II Count Blois and Chartres [aged 45] and [his mother] Adela Normandy Countess Blois [aged 23]. He a grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England.

In 1104 [his brother] William "Simple" Blois Count Blois Count Chartres [aged 19] and [his sister-in-law] Agnes Sully Countess Blois and Chartres [aged 19] were married. She by marriage Countess Blois, Countess Chartres. He the son of [his father] Stephen Blois II Count Blois and Chartres [aged 59] and [his mother] Adela Normandy Countess Blois [aged 37].

In 1107 [his future brother-in-law] Richard Avranches 2nd Earl Chester [aged 13] succeeded 2nd Earl Chester. [his sister] Lucia Mahaut Blois Countess Chester by marriage Countess Chester.

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. 1116. And the [his uncle] king [aged 48] soon after Easter went over sea into Normandy. And there were many conspiracies and robberies, and castles taken betwixt France and Normandy. Most of this disturbance was because the King Henry assisted his nephew, Theobald de Blois [aged 26], who was engaged in a war against his lord, Louis, the King of France [aged 34]. This was a very vexatious and destructive year with respect to the fruits of the earth, through the immoderate rains that fell soon after the beginning of August, harassing and perplexing men till Candlemas-day. This year also was so deficient in mast, that there was never heard such in all this land or in Wales. This land and nation were also this year oft and sorely swincked by the guilds which the king took both within the boroughs and without.

In or before 1120 [his brother-in-law] Richard Avranches 2nd Earl Chester [aged 25] and [his sister] Lucia Mahaut Blois Countess Chester were married. She the daughter of [his father] Stephen Blois II Count Blois and Chartres [aged 74] and [his mother] Adela Normandy Countess Blois [aged 52]. He the son of Hugh of Avranches 1st Earl Chester and Ermentrude Clermont Countess Chester. They were half second cousins. She a granddaughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England.

25th November 1120-Sinking of The White Ship

On 25th November 1120 the White Ship left Barfleur in north-west Normandy, with a party of young Normans. [his uncle] King Henry I "Beauclerc" England [aged 52] had left earlier on another ship. A mile out the White Ship foundered on a submerged rock. William Adelin Duke Normandy [aged 17], his half-siblings Richard Fitzroy [aged 19] and Matilda Fitzroy Countess Perche, William Bigod [aged 27], [his sister] Lucia Mahaut Blois Countess Chester, brothers Geoffrey Aigle and Engenulf Aigle, half-brothers [his brother-in-law] Richard Avranches 2nd Earl Chester [aged 26] and Ottiwel Avranches, brothers Ivo Grandesmil and William Grandesmil and Geoffrey Ridel were all drowned.

In 1123 Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois [aged 33] and Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois were married. She by marriage Countess Champagne, Countess Blois. He the son of Stephen Blois II Count Blois and Chartres [aged 78] and Adela Normandy Countess Blois [aged 56].

In 1125 [his brother] King Stephen I England [aged 31] and [his sister-in-law] Matilda Flanders [aged 20] were married. She the daughter of Eustace Flanders III Count Boulogne and Mary Dunkeld Countess Boulogne. He the son of [his father] Stephen Blois II Count Blois and Chartres [aged 80] and [his mother] Adela Normandy Countess Blois [aged 58]. They were half fourth cousin once removed. He a grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England.

In December 1127 [his son] Henry Blois I Count Champagne was born to Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois [aged 37] and [his wife] Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois. He a great grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England. He married 1164 his fourth cousin Marie Capet Countess Champagne, daughter of Louis VII King of the Franks and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England, and had issue.

Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall

The Chronicle of Abbot Ralph of Coggeshall (Chronicon Anglicanum) is an indispensable medieval history that brings to life centuries of English and European affairs through the eyes of a learned Cistercian monk. Ralph of Coggeshall, abbot of the Abbey of Coggeshall in Essex in the early 13th century, continued and expanded his community’s chronicle, documenting events from the Norman Conquest of 1066 into the tumultuous reign of King Henry III. Blending eyewitness testimony, careful compilation, and the monastic commitment to record-keeping, this chronicle offers a rare narrative of political intrigue, royal power struggles, and social upheaval in England and beyond. Ralph’s work captures the reigns of pivotal figures such as Richard I and King John, providing invaluable insights into their characters, decisions, and the forces that shaped medieval rule. More than a simple annal, Chronicon Anglicanum conveys the texture of medieval life and governance, making it a rich source for scholars and readers fascinated by English history, monastic authorship, and the shaping of the medieval world.

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In 1129 [his brother] Bishop Henry of Blois [aged 31] was appointed Bishop of Winchester.

                    Letters. 1130. Letter III. [his mother] Adela Countess of Blois [aged 63] to Theobald Earl of Blois, her Son [aged 40].
                
                    To her dearest Earl of Blois, Adela the nun of Marcigny sends the affections of maternal love.
                
                    I remember, dearest son, that while yet I wore a secular habit, the canons of St. Carilef complained about the tithe of the almsgift of Francville, which my consort, namely, the earl your father, and I gave to the monks of Marmoutier. About which be it known to your grace, that these canons, in our presence, dismissed their complaints against the said monks, that this quarrel might be set to rest for ever without further renewal. Therefore I entreat you, dearest son, that our alms which we freely gave to the monks you will as freely keep for them, nor let the church of Marmoutier be teased with any further controversy about this affair. Farewell.

In 1130 [his son] Theobald "Good" Blois V Count Blois was born to Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois [aged 40] and [his wife] Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois. He a great grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England. He married 1164 his fourth cousin Alix Capet Countess Blois, daughter of Louis VII King of the Franks and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England, and had issue.

In 1133 [his son] Stephen Blois I Count Sancerre was born to Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois [aged 43] and [his wife] Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois. He a great grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England.

In 1135 [his son] Cardinal William "White Hands" Blois was born to Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois [aged 45] and [his wife] Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois. He a great grandson of King William "Conqueror" I of England.

Death of King Henry I

On 1st December 1135 [his uncle] King Henry I "Beauclerc" England [aged 67] died at Lyons-la-Forêt, Normandy [Map]. The succession fell between Henrys daughter Empress Matilda [aged 33] and Henry's nephew [his brother] King Stephen I England [aged 41], son of [his mother] Adela Normandy Countess Blois [aged 68] daughter of [his grandfather] King William "Conqueror" I of England. The period from 1135 to 1153 during which the succession was fought over is known as The Anarchy.

The phrase "surfeit of lampreys" to describe the cause of his death appears first to have been used in the Chronicle of Richard Baker. "Lampreys", in Latin "murenarum", may mean "eel". The word is used in the Chronicle of Henry of Huntingdon and The Flowers of History by Roger of Wendover.

Coronation of King Stephen

                    On 26th December 1135 [his brother] King Stephen I England [aged 41] was crowned King of England by Archbishop of Canterbury William de Corbeil [aged 65].
                
                    The date of his coronation described differently by many Chroniclers:
                
                    Florence of Worcester: "on the thirteenth of the calends of January" i.e. 20th December 1135.
                
                    Orderic Vitalis: "on the eighteenth of the calends of January" i.e. 15th December 1135; the editor provided a note suggesting this date is incorrect and the correct date is the 26th December 1135.
                
                    The Annals of Winchester: "on the 22nd day after the death of his uncle, on the 1st of January." We should note that if King Henry died on the 1st  December this date would refer to the 22nd or 23rd of December.
                
                    Roger of Wendover's Flowers of History: "on the day of the proto-martyr St. Stephen" i.e. 26th December 1135.
                
                    Chronicle of Richard Baker: "and so upon St. Stephen's day, in Anno 1135"  i.e. 26th December 1135.
                
                    Anglo-Saxon Chronicle: "on midwinter day" i.e. probably 21st or 22nd of December, possibly the 25th.
                
                    Matthew Paris Chronica Majora: "on the Feast of Saint Stephen" i.e. 26th December 1135.
                
                    Gervase on Canterbury: "on the eleventh day before the Kalends of January [22nd December 1135] at Westminster."

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On 8th March 1137 [his mother] Adela Normandy Countess Blois [aged 70] died.

In 1139 Josce de Dinan and Sybil de Lacy were married by which he gained control of Ludlow Castle [Map]. The marriage arranged by [his brother] King Stephen I England [aged 45].

Before 1142 [his son-in-law] Odo II Duke Burgundy [aged 23] and Marie Blois Duchess Burgundy were married. She the daughter of Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois [aged 51] and Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois. He the son of Hugh II Duke Burgundy [aged 57] and Felicia Matilda Mayenne Duchess Burgundy. They were fourth cousins. She a great granddaughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England.

After 1143 William Roumare 1st Earl Lincoln [aged 47] was created 1st Earl Lincoln by [his brother] King Stephen I England [aged 49].

Around 1150 William "Simple" Blois Count Blois Count Chartres [aged 65] died. His brother Theobald [aged 60] succeeded II Count Champagne, IV Count Blois.

On 8th January 1152 Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois [aged 62] died. His son Henry [aged 24] succeeded I Count Champagne. His son Theobald [aged 22] succeeded V Count Blois.

In 1160 [his former wife] Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois died.

[his daughter] Matilda Blois Countess Perche was born to Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois and Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois. She a great granddaughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England. She married Routrou Chateaudun IV Count Perche, son of Routrou "The Great" Chateaudun III Count Perche and Hawise Salisbury Countess Dreux, and had issue.

Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough

A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'

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[his daughter] Margaret Blois was born to Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois and Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois. She a great granddaughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England.

[his daughter] Agnes Blois Countess of Bar was born to Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois and Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois. She a great granddaughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England. She married 1155 Renauld of Bar II Count of Bar and had issue.

[his daughter] Marie Blois Duchess Burgundy was born to Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois and Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois. She a great granddaughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England. She married before 1142 her fourth cousin Odo II Duke Burgundy, son of Hugh II Duke Burgundy and Felicia Matilda Mayenne Duchess Burgundy, and had issue.

[his daughter] Isabelle Blois was born to Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois and Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois. She a great granddaughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England.

[his daughter] Adèle Queen of the Franks was born to Theobald Blois II Count Champagne IV Count Blois and Matilda Carinthia Countess Champagne and Blois. She a great granddaughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England. She married 13th November 1160 her third cousin once removed Louis VII King of the Franks, son of Louis VI King of the Franks and Adelaide Savoy Queen Consort France, and had issue.

The Ecclesiastical History of England and Normandy by Orderic Vitalis. The melancholy news soon got abroad among the common people, and, spreading along the sea-coast, came to the ears of count Theobald¹ and other lords of the court; but for that day no one ventured to make it known to the king, who was in a state of great anxiety and made many inquiries. The nobles shed many tears in private, and were inconsolable for the loss of their friends and relations; but in the king's presence, severe as was the struggle, they concealed their grief, lest its cause should be discovered. On the day following, by a well-devised plan of Count Theobald's, a boy threw himself at the king's feet, weeping bitterly, and upon his being questioned as to the cause of his sorrow, the king learnt from him the shipwreck of the Blanche-Nef. So sudden was the shock, and so severe his anguish, that he instantly fell to the ground, but being raised up by his friends, he was conducted to his chamber, and gave free course to the bitterness of his grief. Not Jacob was more woe-stricken for the loss of Joseph, nor did David give vent to more woeful lamentations for the murder of Ammon or Absalom.

Note 1. Theobald, Count de Blois.