Enguerrand was the second son of Arnould III, Count of Guînes and Alix de Coucy, daughter of Enguerrand III, Lord of Coucy.

[1] His father, Arnould, sold the county of Guines to King Louis IX of France, forcing Enguerrand to find his fortune abroad.

[1] Their wedding was arranged by their mutual cousin, King Alexander III of Scotland.

[1] Enguerrand was present at the recognition of Margaret as Alexander III's heir and the Treaty of Birgham in 1290.

[1] On 28 May 1283, Enguerrand pledged his service to King Edward I of England.