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Ide de LorraineCountess of Boulogne since 1173. Eldest daughter of Matthieu of Alsace and Marie of Boulogne
Date of Birth: 01.01.1160
Country:  France |
Content:
- Ida of Boulogne, Countess of Boulogne
- Marriages
- Love and Manipulation
- Abduction and Third Marriage
- Captivity and Intrigue
- Legacy
Ida of Boulogne, Countess of Boulogne
Early Life and AncestryIda was the eldest daughter of Matthew of Alsace and Marie of Boulogne. Her father, Matthew, controversially took his bride from Ramsey Abbey, an act that was met with disapproval by the Church. In 1170, their marriage was annulled, but Matthew retained the County of Boulogne, which had belonged to his former wife.
Despite the annulment, both daughters born during the marriage, including Ida, were considered legitimate. Upon her father's death in 1173, Ida inherited his possessions.
Marriages
First and Second MarriagesOn the advice of her uncle, Philip of Flanders, Ida married Gerard of Gelderland in 1181. However, Gerard died that same year.
Ida's second marriage was to Berthold IV of Zähringen in 1183. Again, tragedy struck as Berthold died just three years later.
Love and Manipulation
After the death of her second husband, Ida reportedly fell in love with Arnold II, Count of Guînes. It has been speculated that Ida may have feigned her affection for Arnold to gain his support. Arnold, seeing the opportunity to gain control of Ida's lands, agreed to marry her.
Abduction and Third Marriage
In 1190, Ida was abducted by Reginald of Dammartin. Reginald subsequently married Ida, thereby gaining control of Boulogne.
Captivity and Intrigue
Ida was held captive in Lorraine by Reginald. Arnold, having received a love letter from Ida, attempted to rescue her. However, he was captured by Reginald's allies and imprisoned in Verdun. It was only through the intervention of William of Reims, Archbishop of Reims, that Arnold was released.
It has been suggested that Ida may have deliberately lured Arnold into a trap with her love letter. Regardless, she remained with Dammartin until her death.
Legacy
Ida died in 1216, leaving her only daughter, Matilda, as the heir to the County of Boulogne. Matilda inherited Boulogne after Reginald's death in 1217.
