Eustace IV, Count of Boulogne

Eustace IV ruled the County of Boulogne from 1146 until his death in 1153. He was the eldest son of King Stephen of England and Countess Matilda I of Boulogne. His father’s ascension to the English throne in 1135 made Eustace the heir apparent, but he died before he could succeed Stephen. Eustace’s early life included being mentioned in a charter by his parents by 1131, doing homage for Normandy in 1137, and marrying Constance of France in 1140.

During the Anarchy, a civil war for the English throne, Eustace supported his father against Empress Matilda. He was knighted in 1147 and participated in military actions in Normandy. Attempts to secure his coronation as heir during Stephen’s reign were unsuccessful due to opposition from church officials. Following his mother’s death in 1152, he became Count of Boulogne. Eustace’s death in 1153 was considered timely as it allowed for a peaceful succession by Henry Plantagenet. He left behind a mixed reputation and was buried in Faversham Abbey.