Henry II of Champagne

We're going to look at the man who unexpectedly became King of Jerusalem in 1192.

Henry was the son of the Count of Champagne, Henry I, and Marie of France, who was a daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Louis VII of France. Because Marie was half-sister to both Philip II of France and Richard I of England, he was the nephew of two kings.

Henry was born on 29 July 1166. His father arranged a betrothal to Isabella of Hainaut. When his father died in March 1181, Marie became regent for the 15-year-old Count Henry II. A couple months later, a different bride was suggested for young Henry: Yolanda, daughter of Count Baldwin of Hainaut. Yolanda was nine years younger than Henry, and Baldwin asks that the marriage be postponed until she was older. (this delay would work in Henry's favor in a few years).

While waiting to reach his majority at 21, he traveled on the tournament circuit, learning (and enjoying) how to fight. He turned 21 in 1187 and immediately took to the role of Count of Champagne, issuing orders and making changes to policy and in the chancery. He was a big supporter of the Champagne Fairs, an annual set of trade fairs in the county that were a large part of Champagne's economic stability.

When news reached Europe that Jerusalem had been conquered by Saladin and Queen Sibylla had fled, he joined the Third Crusade and went to the Siege of Acre in 1190, leaving his mother as regent and having his barons swear fealty to Henry's 11-year-old brother, Theobald, as Henry's successor should Henry not return. Henry's marshal, Geoffrey de Villehardouin, also went along.

Henry's arrival at the Siege of Acre was a huge boost to morale: he brought many soldiers, money, weapons, siege engines, and supplies. His presence caused Saladin to pull his army back a little from the growing Crusader camp. Henry was respected, but the Crusaders wanted more leadership, and the kings of England and France had not yet arrived. On 15 November Henry and Conrad of Montferrat were both wounded in a battle. On 24 November Henry saw Conrad married to Isabella of Jerusalem, making Conrad king (although Guy of Lusignan refused to relinquish the title).

Henry's money ran out, and he asked King Philip of France for a loan; Philip would on ly lend money if Henry offered Champagne as collateral. This Henry was unwilling to do, but when Richard of England arrived, Richard gave him money. Philip went home after the Siege, and Henry joined his army to Richard as the deal with the Battle of Arsuf and other conflicts.

When Richard wanted to return to England, he first wanted to settle the question of the King of Jerusalem. He called the nobles and prelates together and voted: the unanimous choice was Conrad over Guy. Henry was sent to Tyre with the news, then returned to Acre to prepare for the coronation. Meanwhile, Conrad was killed by two men who claimed to be of the Assassins; under torture, one confessed that Richard had ordered the death.

Hearing of Conrad's death, Count Henry went back to Tyre where he was greeted warmly, and then was handed a golden opportunity. I'll tell you about it tomorrow.