Henry I of Champagne

Henry I (1127–1181), called the Liberal, ruled Champagne from 1152 as the eldest son of Count Theobald II and Matilda of Carinthia. He joined Louis VII on the Second Crusade.

On his father's death he kept Champagne, leaving Blois and Chartres to his brothers. Under his protection the Champagne Fairs became a centre of European trade, and his court at Troyes became known for literature. In 1164 he married Marie of France, who bore Henry II and Theobald III.

In 1179 he was captured in Anatolia returning from Jerusalem and ransomed by the Byzantine emperor. He died in 1181.