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Beatrix De BourbourgCountess de Guines since 1137
Date of Birth: 01.01.1133
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Early Life and Marriage
Beatrice de Bourbourg was born into a prominent lineage as the daughter of Sibylla de Guînes, the last descendant of the de Guînes family, who had ruled the County of Guînes since the mid-10th century. Beatrice's father, Henry de Bourbourg, was a castellan of the Bourbourg castle, a less notable figure in terms of both wealth and nobility.
At a young age, Beatrice was married to Aubrey de Vere, a Norman nobleman who would later become the 1st Earl of Oxford. However, this marriage proved unsuccessful as Aubrey abandoned Beatrice, leaving her ill and vulnerable, and returned to England to seek favor with King Stephen of Blois.
Countess of Guînes and Contested Sovereignty
Upon the death of her grandfather, Manasses I, in 1137, Beatrice was declared Countess of Guînes. While this title was recognized by Thierry of Alsace, the Count of Flanders and overlord of Guînes, Beatrice's authority was challenged. Arnulf of Ghent, the Lord of Tortehem, contested her claim, being the son of Wenemar, Castellan of Ghent, and Gisela, Manasses I's sister.
Taking advantage of Aubrey de Vere's absence, Arnulf seized control of Guînes by force. Under pressure from Arnulf, Beatrice's marriage with Aubrey was annulled, and she was betrothed to a man named Baldwin. However, she passed away shortly afterward, leaving no heirs. The title of Count of Guînes then passed to Arnulf of Ghent.
