Eustace II of Boulogne 1 2 3
- Born: Abt 1030, Boulogne, Upper Lorraine, France
- Marriage (1): Goda of England
- Marriage (2): Ida of Bouillon in Dec 1057
- Died: 1093 aged about 63
Another name for Eustace was Eustace II "aux Gernons".
General Notes:
Eustace II was the husband of Goda, daughter of the English king Æthelred the Unready, and was the son of Eustace I. From his second marriage with Ida of Lorraine, Eustace had two sons, Godfrey of Bouillon and Baldwin, later kings of Jerusalem.
Eustace paid a visit to England in 1051, and was honourably received at the Confessor's court. A brawl in which he and his servants became involved with the citizens of Dover led to a serious quarrel between the king and Earl Godwine.
The latter, to whose jurisdiction the men of Dover were subject, refused to punish them. His lack of respect to those in authority was made the excuse for outlawing himself and his family. In 1066 Eustace came to England with Duke William, and fought at the battle of Hastings.
In the following year, probably because he was dissatisfied with his share of the spoil, he assisted the Kentishmen in an attempt to seize Dover Castle. The conspiracy failed, and Eustace was sentenced to forfeit his English fiefs.
Subsequently he was reconciled to the Conqueror, who restored a portion of the confiscated lands.
Eustace died in 1093, and was succeeded by his son, Eustace III.
Research Notes:
His death is also recorded as occurring between 1070 and 1080.
Noted events in his life were:
• He was a Count of Boulogne and Lens.
Eustace married Goda of England, daughter of Ethelred II the Unready of England and Emma of Normandy. (Goda of England was born about 1009 and died before 1049 3.)
Eustace next married Ida of Bouillon in Dec 1057. (Ida of Bouillon was born about 1040 in Bass, Lower Lorraine, France and died on 13 Aug 1113.)
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