Geoffrey became the count of Anjou in 1129 and held that title for twenty-two years. When King Henry I died in 1135, Geoffrey claimed and conquered Normandy, albeit nine years later, in his wife’s name. Matilda and Geoffrey tried to conquer England and take the throne from her cousin, King Stephen, but their attempts failed.

In 1147, Geoffrey went on a Crusade with Louis VII of France. Geoffrey died in 1151. The name Plantagenet is derived from the Latin “planta” (meaning sprig) and “genista” (meaning broom plant), in reference to the sprig that Geoffrey always wore in his cap.

Burke says the marriage was 3 Apr 1127. The name Plantagenet, according to Rapin, came from Fulk the Great being stung from remorse for some wicked action, and in order to atone for it he went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and was scourged before the Holy Sepulchre with broom twigs. Earlier authorities say it was because Geoffrey bore a branch of yellow broom (Planta-genistae) in his helm.

He was the Duke of Normandy from 1144-1150