Geoffrey of Anjou

Geoffrey IV (1113 - 1151), Count of Anjou, called "Geoffrey the Fair," was the son of Fulk V, Count of Anjou, King of Jerusalem. Geoffrey's mother was Eremburg of La Flèche. Geoffrey himself became the father of the Plantagenet dynasty of English kings.

Nicknamed for the sprig of broom (= genêt plant, in French) he wore in his hat as a badge, at the age of 15 he married Matilda, the daughter of Henry I of England and widow of Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor, whose forces fought those of Stephen I of England for the English throne for years. She was eleven years older than Geoffrey, and their marriage was a stormy one, but she survived him. Their eldest son became Henry II of England.

Despite his poor relationship with his wife, Geoffrey assisted Maud by harassing Stephen in Normandy. He died on September 7, 1151, still a young man, and is buried in Le Mans Cathedral[?] in France.