Choice of Baldwin of Bourcq to succeed Baldwin I, rather than the latter's brother Eustace

Summary:
Baldwin of Bourcq had come to Jerusalem for the Easter ceremonies, only to see the body of Baldwin I brought back from Egypt on Palm Sunday. Then, although he was only his predecessor's second choice as successor, the people supported him because he was present. Major roles were also played by the dying patriarch Arnulf and by Joscelin of Courtenay. The latter's support was credible, because of the violent quarrel he had had with Baldwin (II): he claimed that the kingdom needed an immediate ruler to deal with emergencies. He really hoped to succeed Baldwin in Edessa (as in fact occurred). Eustace's choice by Baldwin I had been somewhat qualified, since he was unsure whether his brother was not too old to come to the Holy Land. Eustace did receive a summons from an uncertain number of barons in Jerusalem, and set out, reaching Apulia. But when he heard of the coronation of Baldwin II, he turned back, since the Holy City should not be polluted by strife 
Dates:
1118 
Arnulf of Choques, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem (Arnulf 4001)
  • Was a strong supporter of Joscelin 4001 in having Baldwin 52 appointed King of Jerusalem (: ) William of Tyre bk. 12, 3.3-45
Baldwin of Bourcq, Baldwin II, king of Jerusalem (Baldwin 52)
  • He had come to Jerusalem for the Easter ceremonies, only to see the body of Baldwin 51 brought back from Egypt on Palm Sunday; although he was only his predecessor's second choice as successor, the people supported him because he was present (:) Albert of Aachen XII.30
  • The dying Arnulf 4001 also supported his coronation, seeing his popularity with the people; he was crowned, a little reluctantly, King of Jerusalem on Easter Day; he soon held a ceremony to confirm the nobles of the kingdom in their fiefs (14 April:sancte Resurrectionis die) Albert of Aachen XII.30
Eustace III, count of Boulogne (Eustace 4001)
  • He was the first choice as successor by the dying Baldwin 51, if he was not too old to come to the Holy Land; Baldwin's next choice, Baldwin 52, was already in Jerusalem, and was favoured by the people and approved by the dying Arnulf 4001 (:) Albert of Aachen XII.30
  • Succeeded to his father's estates around Boulogne; later, at death of Baldwin 51 without children, he was summoned to succeed him, but refused, since the succession would necessitate strife (: ) William of Tyre bk. 9, 9.25-32
  • At death of Baldwin 51, was summoned to succeed him by nobles in Jerusalem, perhaps at Baldwin's wish; but learning in Apulia of the choice of Baldwin 52, he decided to return home, so as not to cause strife in the holy city (: ) William of Tyre bk. 12, 3.48-69
Joscelin I of Courtenay, count of Edessa (Joscelin 4001)
  • With Arnulf 4001, took major part in choice of Baldwin 52 as King of Jerusalem, with credibility because of their quarrel; claimed the kingdom needed an immediate ruler to deal with emergencies; he really hoped to succeed Baldwin in Edessa (: ) William of Tyre bk. 12, 3.3-45