Baldwin I, the first crusader King of Jerusalem, was a son of Eustace II, Count of Boulogne, a feudal magnate from northern France who ruled the area near Calais.
King Baldwin I, King of Jerusalem, died on this day in 1118. He was the first king of the Kingdom of Jerusalem in the history of the Crusades. He had succeeded his brother Godfrey of Bouillon, who had refused to accept a royal title, allegedly claiming that he would never wear a kingly crown when Jesus Christ wore a crown of thorns.Baldwin I, however, accepted the title of king.
His dynasty has an interesting origin. Namely, both of them were sons of Eustace II, Count of Boulogne, a feudal magnate from northern France who ruled the area only a few kilometres south of the famous city of Calais. The County of Boulogne had an exceptionally important strategic significance, being situated at a point that lies in or near four modern countries: France, England, Belgium, and The Netherlands.
King Baldwin I died very far away from his homeland. He met his death during a military campaign in Egypt, more precisely near Al-Arish, some 50 km southwest of Gaza. He was buried at the famous Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
