Marie I, Countess of Boulogne

Marie I was born in 1136 as the younger daughter of King Stephen of England and Matilda I, Countess of Boulogne. She entered religious life at a young age, becoming a novice at the Priory of Lillechurch and later transferring to Romsey Abbey. In 1155, she was elected Abbess of Romsey, following the death of her father and the ascension of Henry II to the English throne.

In 1159, Marie became the suo jure Countess of Boulogne after the death of her brother William. Her tenure as countess was interrupted in 1160 when Matthew of Alsace abducted her from the abbey and forced her into marriage, making him co-ruler of Boulogne. Their marriage was annulled in 1170, the same year she gave birth to their daughter Mathilde.

Marie I died on 25 July 1182 at the age of about 46 and was buried at St Austrebert, Montreuil. After her death, her daughter Ida succeeded as Countess of Boulogne.