Theobald I of Navarre

  General Notes:

Born: 1201
Marriage: Margaret de Bourbon in 1232
Died: 8 Jul 1253 at age 52
Another name for Theobald was Theobald IV of Champagne.
General Notes:
Theobald IV of Champagne (1201–1252), known as "the Troubadour", "the Chansonnier", and "the Posthumous", was count of Champagne (for his entire life), and, as Theobald I, king of Navarre from 1235.He was the son of Theobald III of Champagne and Blanche of Navarre. His father died before he was born, and Blanche ruled as regent until Theobald turned 21 in 1222.The first half of Theobald's life was plagued by a number of difficulties. His uncle, count Henry II had left behind a great deal of debt, which was far from paid off when Theobald's father died. Further, Theobald's legitimacy was not unquestioned, and his right to the succession was challenged by Henry's daughter Philippa and her husband, Erard I of Brienne, count of Ramerupt and one of the more powerful Champagne nobles.The conflict with the Brienne's broke into open warfare in 1215, and was not resolved until after Theobald came of age in 1222. At that time he bought out their rights for a substantial monetary payment. Some years later, in 1234, he had to spend still more to buy off Philippa's younger sister Alice.The 1222 settlement did not end Theobald's problems, for in the following years he antagonized the young king of France Louis IX, which lead to an invasion of Champagne by a group of French barons. They were driven off at the cost of further expense and hardship in Champagne. Thus in order to settle with Alice, Theobald had to sell his overlordship over the counties of Blois, Sancerre, and Chateaudun to the king.However in 1234 Theobald succeeded his grandfather as king of Navarre. This greatly increased his resources (not to mention his prestige), and the remaining years of his rule were far more peaceful and prosperous.Theobald married three times. He married Gertrude of Dabo in 1220, and divorced her 2 years later when he came of age. Later in 1222 he married Agnes of Beaujeu. After she died in 1231, he married Margaret of Bourbon (1232).He was succeeded first by his elder son Theobald V of Champagne and then by his younger son Henry III of Champagne. (Both children of his third marriage.)
Noted events in his life were:
• Acceded: Count of Champaigne, 1201.
• Acceded: King of Navarre, 1234.
Theobald married Margaret de Bourbon, daughterof Archibald VIII de Bourbon and Unknown, in 1232. (Margaret de Bourbon died on 13 Apr 1258.)

Theobald married Margaret de Bourbon, daughter of Archibald VIII de Bourbon and Unknown, in 1232. (Margaret de Bourbon died on 13 Apr 1258.)