COUNTESS MATILDA LE CHAUVRE
1031-1083
Born: Flanders, Normandy, France
Died: Caen, Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France
1031-1083
Born: Flanders, Normandy, France
Died: Caen, Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France
<p>http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/FLANDERS,%20HAINAUT.htm#Mathildedied1083</p><p> </p><p><strong><span style="color: gray">BAUDOUIN</span></strong>, son of BAUDOUIN IV "le Barbu/<em>Pulchrae Barbae</em>" Count of Flanders & his first wife Ogive de Luxembourg ([1012/13]-Lille 1 Sep 1067, bur Lille St Pierre<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[217]</span></span></span></span>). The <em>Genealogica</em><em> Comitum Flandriæ Bertiniana</em> names "<em>Balduinum</em><em> Insulanum</em>" as son of "<em>Balduinum</em><em> Barbatum</em><em> [et] Odgivam</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[218]</span></span></span></span>. After 1028, he led a rebellion against his father who was forced to take refuge in Normandy. After his father returned with reinforcements, Baudouin submitted but was allowed to rule jointly<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[219]</span></span></span></span>. He succeeded his father in 1035 as <strong>BAUDOUIN</strong><strong> V</strong> "le Pieux/Insulanus" <strong>Count of Flanders</strong>. He acquired overlordship of the county of Lens from the counts of Boulogne<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[220]</span></span></span></span>. He was installed as <strong>count in the march of Antwerp</strong>, presumably after the death of Gozelon in 1044. The <em>Liber traditionum</em> of Gant Saint-Pierre commemorates the donations of "<em>Baldwinus junior marchysus filius Baldwini marchysi et Odgevæ comitissæ cum conjuge sua Adala</em>", undated<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[221]</span></span></span></span>. He took part in the Lotharingian rebellion against Emperor Heinrich III and sacked the imperial palace at Nijmegen. Emperor Heinrich gathered a large army to wreak revenge in 1049<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[222]</span></span></span></span>, but in practical terms the only loss to Flanders was the march of Antwerp<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[223]</span></span></span></span>. Count Baudouin returned Valenciennes to Hainaut, and thus indirectly to German suzerainty<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[224]</span></span></span></span>. He maintained close relations with Godwin Earl of Wessex, first sheltering the latter´s son Svein after he was outlawed in 1049, then Earl Godwin himself when he was exiled from England in 1051. Emperor Heinrich III invaded Flanders again in 1054 but had to retreat<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[225]</span></span></span></span>. On the death of Henri I King of France in 1060, Count Baudouin became regent of France for his nephew King Philippe I. The <em>Annales</em><em> Blandinienses</em> record the death in 1067 of "<em>Baldwinus potentissimus marchisus</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[226]</span></span></span></span>. </p> <p><strong><span style="color: gray">m</span></strong> (Amiens 1028) <strong><span style="color: gray">ADELA de France</span></strong>, daughter of ROBERT II King of France & his third wife Constance d'Arles (1009-Messines 8 Jan 1079, bur Messines, Benedictine monastery). The <em>Genealogica</em><em> Comitum Flandriæ Bertiniana</em> names "<em>filiam Rodberti regis Francorum Adelam</em>" wife of "<em>Balduinum</em><em> Insulanum</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[227]</span></span></span></span>. The <em>Genealogiæ</em><em> Scriptoris Fusniacensis</em> names "<em>Alam comitissam Flandrensem</em>" the daughter of King Robert<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[228]</span></span></span></span>. Corbie was her dowry<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[229]</span></span></span></span>. The <em>Liber traditionum</em> of Gant Saint-Pierre commemorates the donations of "<em>Baldwinus junior marchysus filius Baldwini marchysi et Odgevæ comitissæ cum conjuge sua Adala</em>", undated<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[230]</span></span></span></span>. She founded the Benedictine monastery at Messines near Ypres. The necrology of the abbey of Saint-Denis records the death "<em>VI Id Jan</em>" of "<em>Adelaidis comitissa</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[231]</span></span></span></span>. </p> <p>Count Baudouin V & his wife had three children:</p> <p style="margin-: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm">1.<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal"> </span><strong><span style="color: gray">BAUDOUIN de Flandre</span></strong><span> ([1030]-Hasnon Abbey 17 Jul 1070). </span>The <em>Genealogica Comitum Flandriæ Bertiniana</em> names (in order) "<em>Balduinum</em><em> Haanoniensem, et Robdbertum cognomento postea Iherosolimitanum, et Matilde uxorem Guillelmi regis Anglorum</em>" as the children of "<em>Balduinum</em><em> Insulanum</em><em> [et] Adelam</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[232]</span></span></span></span>. The Chronicle of Alberic de Trois-Fontaines names (in order) "<em>Balduinum sextum, Robertum cognomento Fresonem, Philippum patrem Guilelmi de Ypra et filias duas Iudith, quam duxit Tostinus comes Nortdanimbronum in Anglia et Mathilda…Normannorum ducissa"</em><span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[233]</span></span></span></span>, which confuses three generations of the family of the counts of Flanders. Baudouin's father sent him to be educated at the court of Emperor Heinrich III, who installed him as Markgraaf van Antwerpen in 1045, although this was taken away in [1050] after his father opposed the emperor<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[234]</span></span></span></span>. He succeeded in 1055 as <strong><span style="color: gray">BAUDOUIN I Comte de Hainaut</span></strong>, by right of his wife. He succeeded his father in 1067 as <strong>BAUDOUIN VI Count of Flanders</strong>. The <em>Annales</em><em> Blandinienses</em> record the death in 1070 of "<em>Baldwinus marchisus, qui Hasnoni sepultus est</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[235]</span></span></span></span>. The <em>Annales</em><em> Elnonenses Maiores</em> record Baudouin's death "<em>XVI Kal Aug</em>" and his burial "<em>Hasnonie</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[236]</span></span></span></span>. <strong><span style="color: gray">m</span></strong> (1051) as her second husband, <strong><span style="color: gray">RICHILDE</span></strong>, widow of <strong>HERMAN Comte de Hainaut</strong>, daughter of --- (-Messines 15 Mar 1087, bur Abbaye de Hasnon). The difficult question of the parentage of Richilde is discussed fully in the document HAINAUT which sets out her first husband's family. Richilde married thirdly (1070) as his second wife, <strong>Guillaume FitzOsbern Earl of Hereford</strong>. The Annals of Winchester record the marriage in 1070 of “<em>comitissam Flandriæ</em>” and “<em>rex…nepoti suo Willelmo filio Osberni</em>”<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[237]</span></span></span></span>. William of Malmesbury records that Baudouin I comte de Hainaut entrusted the guardianship of his two sons to "<em>Philip king of France…and to William Fitz-Osberne", adding that the latter "readily undertook the office that he might increase his dignity by a union with Richilda</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[238]</span></span></span></span>. The Complete Peerage, citing <em>Annales</em><em> Flandriæ</em>, states that Richilde was taken in battle where her new husband FitzOsbern was killed<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[239]</span></span></span></span>, but the precise reference has not yet been found to this primary source. The necrology of Liège Saint-Lambert records the death "<em>XVII Kal Apr</em>" of "<em>Richildis comitisse</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[240]</span></span></span></span>. Count Baudouin VI & his wife had three children: </p> <p style="margin-: 2cm; text-indent: -1cm">a)<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal"> </span><strong><span style="color: gray">ARNOUL</span></strong> <strong><span style="color: gray">de Flandre</span></strong> ([1055]-killed in battle Cassel 22 Feb 1071, bur Saint-Bertin). The <em>Genealogica Comitum Flandriæ Bertiniana</em> names (in order) "<em>Arnulfum et Balduinem</em>" as sons of "<em>Balduinum</em><em> Haanoniensem</em><em> [et] Richelde</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[241]</span></span></span></span>. "<em>Arnulfum nepotem suum [Robertus filius Balduini comitis Insulani] occiso</em>" is named in the Cartulaire de Saint-Bertin<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[242]</span></span></span></span>. He succeeded his father in 1070 as <strong>ARNOUL III Count of Flanders</strong>, <strong><span style="color: gray">Comte</span></strong><strong><span style="color: gray"> de Hainaut</span></strong>. His uncle Robert rebelled against Count Arnoul, defeated him at the battle of Cassel where Arnoul was killed, and seized control of Flanders<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[243]</span></span></span></span>. Arnoul's younger brother Baudouin was left only with the county of Hainaut. </p> <p style="margin-: 2cm; text-indent: -1cm">b)<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal"> </span><strong><span style="color: gray">BAUDOUIN</span></strong> <strong><span style="color: gray">de Flandre</span></strong> ([1056]-on Crusade 1098, after 8 Jun). The <em>Genealogica Comitum Flandriæ Bertiniana</em> names (in order) "<em>Arnulfum et Balduinem</em>" as sons of "<em>Balduinum</em><em> Haanoniensem</em><em> [et] Richelde</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[244]</span></span></span></span>. Guibert describes him as "<em>Balduinus comes de Montibus, Roberti Flandrensis comitis iunioris patrui, filius</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[245]</span></span></span></span>. "<em>Balduino frater eius [Arnulphum occiso]</em>" is named in the Cartulaire de Saint-Bertin<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[246]</span></span></span></span>. He succeeded his brother in 1071 as <strong><span style="color: gray">BAUDOUIN II Comte de Hainaut</span></strong>. </p> <p style="margin-: 1cm; text-indent: 1cm">- <strong>COMTES DE HAINAUT</strong>. </p> <p style="margin-: 2cm; text-indent: -1cm">c)<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal"> </span>[<strong><span style="color: gray">AGNES</span></strong> (-[1071] or after). Comte Arnoul III names his sister Agnes in a charter dated to [1071]<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[247]</span></span></span></span>. It is possible that Agnes was the same person as the unnamed daughter of "<em>Hermannus filius ducis Thuringie ex Richilde</em>" referred to in the <em>Annales Hanoniæ</em>, which specify in a later passage that she became a nun<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[248]</span></span></span></span>. If this is correct, she was Arnoul's uterine half-sister.] </p> <p style="margin-: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm">2.<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal"> </span><strong><span style="color: gray">MATHILDE de Flandre</span></strong> ([1032]-Caen 2 Nov 1083, bur Caen, Abbey of Holy Trinity). The <em>Genealogica Comitum Flandriæ Bertiniana</em> names (in order) "<em>Balduinum</em><em> Haanoniensem, et Robdbertum cognomento postea Iherosolimitanum, et Matilde uxorem Guillelmi regis Anglorum</em>" as the children of "<em>Balduinum</em><em> Insulanum</em><em> [et] Adelam</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[249]</span></span></span></span>. Her parentage is also stated by Orderic Vitalis<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[250]</span></span></span></span>. Florence of Worcester records that "<em>comitissa Mahtilda de Normannia</em>" came to England 23 Mar [1068] and was crowned "<em>die Pentecostes</em> [11 May]" by Aldred Archbishop of York<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[251]</span></span></span></span>. Orderic Vitalis also records that she was crowned queen of England 11 May 1068<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[252]</span></span></span></span>, presumably at Westminster Abbey or Winchester Cathedral although this appears to be unrecorded. Queen Matilda acted as regent in Normandy during her husband's absences in England. The necrology of the abbey of Saint-Denis records the death "<em>IV Non Nov</em>" of "<em>Matildis</em><em> Anglorum</em><em> regina</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[253]</span></span></span></span>. Guillaume de Jumièges records the burial of Queen Mathilde on 3 Nov 1081 at Holy Trinity, Caen<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[254]</span></span></span></span>. Florence of Worcester records the death "<em>IV Non Nov</em>" in [1083] of "<em>regina</em><em> Mahtilda</em>" in Normandy and her burial at Caen<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[255]</span></span></span></span>. <strong><span style="color: gray">m</span></strong> (Eu, Cathedral of Notre Dame [1050/52]) <strong><span style="color: gray">GUILLAUME II Duke of Normandy</span></strong>, illegitimate son of ROBERT “le Diable” Duke of Normandy & his mistress Arlette --- (Château de Falaise, Normandy [1027/8]-Rouen, Priory of St Gervais 9 Sep 1087, bur Caen, Abbey of St Etienne). He succeeded in 1066 as <strong><span style="color: gray">WILLIAM I <span style="color: windowtext; font-weight: normal">"the Conqueror" </span>King of England</span></strong>. King William I & his wife had ten children: </p> <p style="margin-: 2cm; text-indent: -1cm">a)<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal"> </span><strong><span style="color: gray">ROBERT</span></strong> “Curthose” (Normandy [1052/4]-Cardiff Castle 3/10/15 Feb 1135, bur Gloucester Cathedral). William of Malmesbury names Robert as eldest son of King William I<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[256]</span></span></span></span>. He succeeded his father in 1087 as <strong>ROBERT III Duke of Normandy</strong>. One child: </p> <p style="margin-: 3cm; text-indent: -1cm">i)<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal"> </span><strong><span style="color: gray">GUILLAUME de Normandie</span></strong> (Rouen 1101-St Omer, Abbey of St Bertin 27 Jul 1128, bur St Omer, Abbey of St Bertin). His parentage is stated by Orderic Vitalis, who specifies that he was born in Rouen in the third year after his parents' marriage<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[257]</span></span></span></span>. Following the assassination of Count Charles, Louis VI King of France convened a meeting of Flemish barons at Arras where they elected Guillaume 21 Mar 1127 as <strong>GUILLAUME I </strong>"Clito"<strong> Count of Flanders</strong>, although he lacked any hereditary right. He was opposed by his uncle Henry I King of England who bribed his supporters in Gent and eastern Flanders. Lille rebelled 1 Aug 1127, and Saint-Omer 8 Feb 1128<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[258]</span></span></span></span>. Guillaume´s rival Thierry d'Alsace captured Lille, Furnes and Gent<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[259]</span></span></span></span> and was recognised as Count at Bruges 30 Mar 1128<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[260]</span></span></span></span>. Guillaume besieged Aalst in Jul 1128, helped by Godefroi Duke of Lower Lotharingia, but was injured and died from his wounds<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[261]</span></span></span></span>. </p> <p style="margin-: 2cm; text-indent: -1cm">b)<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal"> </span>other children - <strong>see KINGS of ENGLAND</strong>. </p> <p style="margin-: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm">3.<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal"> </span><strong><span style="color: gray">ROBERT</span></strong> ([1035]-13 Oct 1093). The <em>Genealogica Comitum Flandriæ Bertiniana</em> names (in order) "<em>Balduinum</em><em> Haanoniensem, et Robdbertum cognomento postea Iherosolimitanum, et Matilde uxorem Guillelmi regis Anglorum</em>" as the children of "<em>Balduinum</em><em> Insulanum</em><em> [et] Adelam</em>"<span><span style="font-size: 9pt"><span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'arial','sans-serif'">[262]</span></span></span></span>. He was regent of the county of Holland 1062-1071, during the minority of his stepson. He succeeded his nephew in 1071 as <strong>ROBERT</strong><strong> I</strong> "le Frison" <strong>Count of Flanders</strong>. </p> <p style="margin-: 1cm">- <strong>see below</strong>. </p> <p> </p><p> </p>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica; color: #000000; font-size: xx-small;">Baudouin I de Hainaut The Peaceable, Baudouin VI de Mons Count of Flandres<br>*ABT 1029 Flanders, Belgium<br>+10/17.07.1070<br><br><span style="color: #003366;">further: Sister: Matilda (Maud) Countess of Flanders Born Abt 1031 Of Flanders, France, Died 2 Nov 1083 Caen, Calvados, France. married with William I of Normandy The Conqueror King of England Born 14 Oct 1024 Falaise, Calvados, France Mar. 1053 Castle Of, Angi, Normandy, France Died 10 Sep 1087 Hermentruvilleby, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France (His father: Robert II de Normandy, Mother: Harlette Herleve Arlotta Falaise) Son: Robert III Duke of Courthouse NORMANDY - next: William III Prince of Normandy BIRTH: 1101, Rouen, Seine Maritime, France DEATH: 27 Jul 1128, St Omer Abbey, Alost, Flanders, France <br>Robert I Le Frison Count of Flanders Born Abt 1033 Flanders, Belgium Mar. 1063 Died 13 Oct 1093 Kassel, Germany. Robert was regent of the County of Holland during the minority of Dirk V, whose mother Robert had married. At his marriage Baldwin V gave Robert his imperial fiefs. Baldwin VI disputed his right to these lands, but was killed in the ensuing war - Robert now gained the Emperor's support and tutelage of Baldwin VI's children and Baldwin VI's widow appealed for help to Philip I of France who lost the battle near Cassel to Robert 02-20-1071 whereupon Robert was confirmed in Crown of Flanders and the fiefs of Imperial Flanders. {-Encycl. Brit., 1956, 9:357} One source gives another child as Matilda of Flanders, d. 1115 in Denmark, m. Knut Sweynsonn (b. 1040 in Denmark). <br>Judith Countess of Flanders<br>Sr Richard The Frislander Forester</span></span>
<p><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><strong>Maud Le-Vieux</strong> crowned <strong>Matilda of Flanders</strong> (c. 1031 – 2 November 1083) was the wife of </font></font><font size="3" color="#000000">William the Conqueror</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> and, as such, </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Queen consort</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> of the </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Kingdom of England</font><font size="3" color="#000000">. She bore William eleven children, including two kings, </font><font size="3" color="#000000">William II</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> and </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Henry I</font><font size="3" color="#000000">.</font></p><font size="3"><font color="#000000"><span>Marriage</span></font></font><p><font size="3" color="#000000">Matilda, or "Maud", was the daughter of </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Baldwin V, Count of Flanders</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> and </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Adèle Capet</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, herself daughter of </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Robert II of France</font><font size="3" color="#000000">. According to legend, when </font><font size="3" color="#000000">William, Duke of Normandy</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> (later known as William the Conqueror) sent his representative to ask for Maud's hand in marriage, she told the representative that she was far too high-born, being descended from King </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Alfred the Great</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, to consider marrying a </font><font size="3" color="#000000">bastard</font><font size="3" color="#000000">. After hearing this response, William rode from Normandy to </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Bruges</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, found Maud on her way to church, and dragged her off her horse by her long </font><font size="3" color="#000000">braids</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, threw her down in the street in front of her flabbergasted attendants, and rode off. Another version of the story states that William rode to Maud's father's house in </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Lille</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, threw her to the ground in her room (again, by the braids), and hit her (or violently shook her) before leaving. Naturally Baldwin took offense at this but, before they </font><font size="3" color="#000000">drew swords</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, Matilda settled the matter<sup><span>[</span>1<span>]</span></sup> by agreeing to marry him, and even a papal ban on the grounds of </font><font size="3" color="#000000">consanguinity</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> did not dissuade her. They were married in 1053.</font></p><p><font size="3" color="#000000">There were rumors that Matilda had been in love with the English ambassador to </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Flanders</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, a </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Saxon</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> named Brihtric, who declined her advances. Whatever the truth of the matter, years later when she was acting as </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Regent</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> for William in England, she used her authority to confiscate Brihtric's lands and throw him into prison, where he died.</font></p><p><font size="3" color="#000000">When William was preparing to invade England, Matilda outfitted a ship, the <em>Mora</em>, out of her own money and gave it to him. For many years it was thought that she had some involvement in the creation of the </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Bayeux Tapestry</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> (commonly called <em>La Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde</em> in French), but historians no longer believe that; it seems to have been commissioned by William's half-brother </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Odo, Bishop of Bayeux</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, and made by English artists in </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Kent</font><font size="3" color="#000000">.</font></p><p><font size="3" color="#000000">Matilda bore William eleven children, and he was believed to have been faithful to her, at least up until the time their son Robert rebelled against his father and Matilda sided with Robert against William. After she died, in 1083 at the age of 51, William became tyrannical, and people blamed it on his having lost her.</font></p><p><font size="3" color="#000000">Contrary to the belief that she was buried at St. Stephen's, also called l'</font><font size="3" color="#000000">Abbaye-aux-Hommes</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> in </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Caen</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Normandy</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, where William was eventually buried, she is intombed at l'</font><font size="3" color="#000000">Abbaye aux Dames</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, which is the Sainte-Trinité church, also in Caen. Of particular interest is the 11th century slab, a sleek black stone decorated with her epitaph, marking her grave at the rear of the church. It is of special note since the grave marker for William was replaced as recently as the beginning of the 19th century.</font></p><font size="3"><font color="#000000"> <span>Height</span></font></font><p><font size="3"><font color="#000000">Reputed to be 4'2" (127 cm) tall, Matilda was England's smallest queen, according to the <em>Guinness Book of Records</em>. However, in 1819 and 1959 Matilda's incomplete skeleton was examined in France, and her bones were measured to determine her height. The 1819 estimate was under five feet, while the 1959 estimate was 5' (152 cm) tall. A reputed height of 4'2" (127 cm) appeared at some point after 1959 in the non-scientific literature, misrepresenting the 1959 measurement.<sup><span>[</span>2<span>]</span></sup></font></font></p><font size="3"><font color="#000000"> <span>Children</span></font></font><p><font size="3" color="#000000">Some doubt exists over how many daughters there were. This list includes some entries which are obscure.</font></p><ol><li><font size="3" color="#000000">Robert Curthose</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> (c. 1054 – 1134), Duke of Normandy, married </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Sybil of Conversano</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, daughter of Geoffrey of Conversano</font></li><li><font size="3" color="#000000">Adeliza (or Alice) (c. 1055 – ?), reportedly betrothed to </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Harold II of England</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> (Her existence is in some doubt.)</font></li><li><font size="3" color="#000000">Cecilia</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> (or Cecily) (c. 1056 – 1126), Abbess of Holy Trinity, Caen</font></li><li><font size="3" color="#000000">William Rufus</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> (1056 – 1100), King of the English</font></li><li><font size="3" color="#000000">Richard, Duke of Bernay</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> (1057 – c. 1081), killed by a stag in </font><font size="3" color="#000000">New Forest</font></li><li><font size="3" color="#000000">Adela</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> (c. 1062 – 1138), married </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Stephen, Count of Blois</font></li><li><font size="3" color="#000000">Agatha</font><font size="3" color="#000000">(c. 1064 – c. 1080), betrothed to (1) Harold of </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Wessex</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, (2) </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Alfonso VI of Castile</font></li><li><font size="3" color="#000000">Constance</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> (c. 1066 – 1090), married </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Alan IV Fergent</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Duke of Brittany</font><font size="3" color="#000000">; poisoned, possibly by her own servants</font></li><li><font size="3" color="#000000">Matilda (very obscure, her existence is in some doubt)</font></li><li><font size="3" color="#000000">Henry Beauclerc</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> (1068–1135), King of England, married (1) </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Edith of Scotland</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, daughter of </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Malcolm III, King of Scotland</font><font size="3" color="#000000">, (2) </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Adeliza of Louvain</font></li></ol><p><font size="3" color="#000000">Gundred</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> (c. 1063 – 1085), wife of </font><font size="3" color="#000000">William de Warenne</font><font size="3" color="#000000"> (c. 1055 – 1088), was formerly thought of as being yet another of Matilda's daughters, with speculation that she was William I's full daughter, a stepdaughter, or even a foundling or adopted daughter. However, this connection to William I has now been firmly debunked.</font></p><ul><li><font size="3" color="#000000">Matilda was a seventh generation direct descendent of </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Alfred the Great</font><font size="3" color="#000000">. Her marriage to William strengthened his claim to the throne. All sovereigns of England, Great Britain and the United Kingdom have been descended from her, as is the present Queen </font><font size="3" color="#000000">Elizabeth II</font><font size="3" color="#000000">.</font></li></ul><font size="3"></font>
<div><font color="#6d5878">Matilda of Flanders</font> <div></div><div><div align="center" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><br></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center; clear: both"><br></div><div style="text-align: center">Matilda of Flanders<br></div><div style="text-align: center">(1031 - 1083)<br></div><div style="text-align: center">Queen consort of the English<br></div><div style="text-align: center">Duchess consort of the Normans <br></div><br>My true name is Maud Le-Vieux, but I was crowned Matilda of Flanders. I was Queen consort of the Kingdom of England and the wife of William I the Conqueror.<br><br>I was the daughter of Baldwin V, Count of Flanders, and Adèle (1000-1078/9), daughter of Robert II of France.<br><br>I was extremely short of stature and gained fame as being England's smallest queen.<br><br>When the representative of William, Duke of Normandy (later king of England as William the Conqueror), came to ask for my hand in marriage, I replied that I was far too high-born (being descended from King Alfred the Great of England) to consider marrying a bastard. <br><br>When that was repeated to William, he rode from Normandy to Bruges, found me on my way to church, dragged me off my horse by my long braids, threw me down in the street in front of my flabbergasted attendants, and then rode off. <br><br>Naturally my father took offense at this but, before they drew swords, I settled the matter by deciding to marry him, and even a papal ban (on the grounds of consanguinity because we were cousins) did not dissuade me. We were married in 1053after we promised the pope to build an abbey.<br><br>There were rumours that I had been in love with the English ambassador to Flanders, a Saxon named Brihtric, who declined y advances. Whatever the truth of the matter, years later when I was acting as Regent for William in England, I used my authority to confiscate Brihtric's lands and throw him into prison, where he died.<br><br>When William was preparing to invade England, I outfitted a ship, the Mora, with my own money and gave it to him. For many years it was thought that I had some involvement in the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry, but it was commissioned by William's half-brother Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, and made by English artists in Kent.<br><br>I bore my husband eleven children, and he was faithful to me, at least up until the time our son Robert rebelled against his father and I sided with Robert against William. <br><br>After I died, in 1083 at the age of 51, William became tyrannical, and people blamed it on his having lost me in death. Contrary to the belief that I was buried at St. Stephen's, also called l'Abbaye-aux-Hommes in Caen, Normandy, where William was eventually buried, I am entombed at l'Abbaye aux Dames, which is the Sainte-Trinité church, also in Caen. <br><br>Of particular interest is the 11th century slab, a sleek black stone decorated with my epitaph, marking my grave at the rear of the church. It is of special note since the grave marker for William was replaced as recently as the beginning of the 19th century.<br><br>In 1819 and 1959 my incomplete skeleton was examined in France, and my bones were measured to determine my actual height. The 1819 estimate was under five feet, while the 1959 estimate was 5' (152 cm) tall</div></div>
<p><strong>Maud Le-Vieux</strong> crowned <strong>Matilda of Flanders</strong> (c. 1031 – 2 November 1083) was Queen consort of the Kingdom of England and the wife of William I the Conqueror.</p> <p>She was the daughter of Baldwin V, Count of Flanders, and Adèle (1000-1078/9), daughter of Robert II of France.</p> <p>Reputed to be 4'2" (127 cm) tall, Matilda was England's smallest queen, according to the <em>Guinness Book of Records</em>. According to legend, Matilda (or "Maud") told the representative of William, Duke of Normandy (later king of England as William the Conqueror), who had come asking for her hand, that she was far too high-born (being descended from King Alfred the Great of England) to consider marrying a bastard. When that was repeated to him, William rode from Normandy to Bruges, found Matilda on her way to church, dragged her off her horse by her long braids, threw her down in the street in front of her flabbergasted attendants, and then rode off. Another version of the story states that William rode to Matilda's father's house in Lille, threw her to the ground in her room (again, by the braids), and hit her (or violently shook her) before leaving. Naturally Baldwin took offense at this but, before they drew swords, Matilda settled the matter <sup></sup>by deciding to marry him, and even a papal ban (on the grounds of consanguinity) did not dissuade her. They were married in 1053.</p> <p>There were rumours that Matilda had been in love with the English ambassador to Flanders, a Saxon named Brihtric, who declined her advances. Whatever the truth of the matter, years later when she was acting as Regent for William in England, she used her authority to confiscate Brihtric's lands and throw him into prison, where he died.</p> <p>When William was preparing to invade England, Matilda outfitted a ship, the <em>Mora</em>, out of her own money and gave it to him. For many years it was thought that she had some involvement in the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry (commonly called <em>La Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde</em> in French), but historians no longer believe that; it seems to have been commissioned by William's half-brother Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, and made by English artists in Kent.</p> <p>Matilda bore William eleven children, and he was believed to have been faithful to her, at least up until the time their son Robert rebelled against his father and Matilda sided with Robert against William. After she died, in 1083 at the age of 51, William became tyrannical, and people blamed it on his having lost her. Contrary to the belief that she was buried at St. Stephen's, also called l'Abbaye-aux-Hommes in Caen, Normandy, where William was eventually buried, she is intombed at l'Abbaye aux Dames, which is the Sainte-Trinité church, also in Caen. Of particular interest is the 11th century slab, a sleek black stone decorated with her epitaph, marking her grave at the rear of the church. It is of special note since the grave marker for William was replaced as recently as the beginning of the 19th century.</p> <p>In 1819 and 1959 Matilda's incomplete skeleton was examined in France, and her bones were measured to determine her height. The 1819 estimate was under five feet, while the 1959 estimate was 5' (152 cm) tall. A reputed height of 4'2" (127 cm) appeared at some point after 1959 in the non-scientific literature, misrepresenting the 1959 measurement.<sup></sup></p> <span>Children</span> <p>Some doubt exists over how many daughters there were. This list includes some entries which are obscure.</p> <ol><li>Robert Curthose (c. 1054 – 1134), Duke of Normandy, married Sybil of Conversano, daughter of Geoffrey of Conversano</li><li>Adeliza (or Alice) (c. 1055 – ?), reportedly betrothed to Harold II of England (Her existence is in some doubt.)</li><li>Cecilia (or Cecily) (c. 1056 – 1126), Abbess of Holy Trinity, Caen</li><li>William Rufus (1056 – 1100), King of the English</li><li>Richard, Duke of Bernay (1057 – c. 1081), killed by a stag in New Forest</li><li>Adela (c. 1062 – 1138), married Stephen, Count of Blois</li><li>Agatha(c. 1064 – c. 1080), betrothed to (1) Harold of Wessex, (2) Alfonso VI of Castile</li><li>Constance (c. 1066 – 1090), married Alan IV Fergent, Duke of Brittany; poisoned, possibly by her own servants</li><li>Matilda (very obscure, her existence is in some doubt)</li><li>Henry Beauclerc (1068–1135), King of England, married (1) Edith of Scotland, daughter of Malcolm III, King of Scotland, (2) Adeliza of Louvain</li></ol> <p>Gundred (c. 1063 – 1085), wife of William de Warenne (c. 1055 – 1088), was formerly thought of as being yet another of Matilda's daughters, with speculation that she was William I's full daughter, a stepdaughter, or even a foundling or adopted daughter. However, this connection to William I has now been firmly debunked—see Gundred's discussion page for further information.</p> <ul><li>Matilda was a seventh generation direct descendent of Alfred the Great. Her marriage to William strengthened his claim to the throne. All sovereigns of England, Great Britain and the United Kingdom have been descended from her, as is the present Queen Elizabeth II.</li></ul>
Matilda of Flanders<br><div><br>From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia<br><br><div>Jump to: navigation, search</div><br><br>Matilda of Flanders<br><em>Queen consort of the English<br>Duchess consort of the Normans</em><br><br><br><br><em>A Victorian romantic artist's impression of Matilda from "Queens of England" - 1894</em><br>Tenure<br>25 December 1066 – 2 November 1083<br>Spouse<br>William I <em>the Conqueror</em><br><br><div><em><font size="2">among others</font></em></div>Issue<br><br>Robert II <em>Curthose</em>, Duke of the Normans<br>William II <em>Rufus</em>, King of the English<br>Adela, Countess of Blois<br>Henry I <em>Beauclerc</em>, King of the English<br><br>House<br>Norman dynasty<br>Father<br>Baldwin V, Count of Flanders<br>Mother<br>Adela Capet of France, Countess of Corbie<br>Born<br>c. 1031<br><br>Died<br>2 November 1083 (aged c. 52)<br><br>Burial<br><span>l'Abbaye aux Dames Caen, Normandy</span><br><div><br><div><br><div><br></div></div></div><br><p><strong>Maud Le-Vieux</strong> crowned <strong>Matilda of Flanders</strong> (c. 1031 – 2 November 1083) was Queen consort of the Kingdom of England and the wife of William I the Conqueror.</p><br><p>She was the daughter of Baldwin V, Count of Flanders, and Adèle (1000-1078/9), daughter of Robert II of France.</p><br><p>Reputed to be 4'2" (127 cm) tall, Matilda was England's smallest queen, according to the <em>Guinness Book of Records</em>. According to legend, Matilda (or "Maud") told the representative of William, Duke of Normandy (later king of England as William the Conqueror), who had come asking for her hand, that she was far too high-born (being descended from King Alfred the Great of England) to consider marrying a bastard. When that was repeated to him, William rode from Normandy to Bruges, found Matilda on her way to church, dragged her off her horse by her long braids, threw her down in the street in front of her flabbergasted attendants, and then rode off. Another version of the story states that William rode to Matilda's father's house in Lille, threw her to the ground in her room (again, by the braids), and hit her (or violently shook her) before leaving. Naturally Baldwin took offense at this but, before they drew swords, Matilda settled the matter <sup><span>[</span>1<span>]</span></sup> by deciding to marry him, and even a papal ban (on the grounds of consanguinity) did not dissuade her. They were married in 1053.</p><br><p>There were rumours that Matilda had been in love with the English ambassador to Flanders, a Saxon named Brihtric, who declined her advances. Whatever the truth of the matter, years later when she was acting as Regent for William in England, she used her authority to confiscate Brihtric's lands and throw him into prison, where he died.</p><br><p>When William was preparing to invade England, Matilda outfitted a ship, the <em>Mora</em>, out of her own money and gave it to him. For many years it was thought that she had some involvement in the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry (commonly called <em>La Tapisserie de la Reine Mathilde</em> in French), but historians no longer believe that; it seems to have been commissioned by William's half-brother Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, and made by English artists in Kent.</p><br><p>Matilda bore William eleven children, and he was believed to have been faithful to her, at least up until the time their son Robert rebelled against his father and Matilda sided with Robert against William. After she died, in 1083 at the age of 51, William became tyrannical, and people blamed it on his having lost her. Contrary to the belief that she was buried at St. Stephen's, also called l'Abbaye-aux-Hommes in Caen, Normandy, where William was eventually buried, she is intombed at l'Abbaye aux Dames, which is the Sainte-Trinité church, also in Caen. Of particular interest is the 11th century slab, a sleek black stone decorated with her epitaph, marking her grave at the rear of the church. It is of special note since the grave marker for William was replaced as recently as the beginning of the 19th century.</p><br><p>In 1819 and 1959 Matilda's incomplete skeleton was examined in France, and her bones were measured to determine her height. The 1819 estimate was under five feet, while the 1959 estimate was 5' (152 cm) tall. A reputed height of 4'2" (127 cm) appeared at some point after 1959 in the non-scientific literature, misrepresenting the 1959 measurement</p></div>
<span style="font-family: 'century gothic', verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; color: #0c0601"><div align="center" style="clear: both; text-align: center"><br></div><div align="center" style="clear: both; text-align: center"><br></div><div style="text-align: center">Matilda of Flanders<br></div><div style="text-align: center">(1031 - 1083)<br></div><div style="text-align: center">Queen consort of the English<br></div><div style="text-align: center">Duchess consort of the Normans <br></div><br>My true name is Maud Le-Vieux, but I was crowned Matilda of Flanders. I was Queen consort of the Kingdom of England and the wife of William I the Conqueror.<br><br>I was the daughter of Baldwin V, Count of Flanders, and Adèle (1000-1078/9), daughter of Robert II of France.<br><br>I was extremely short of stature and gained fame as being England's smallest queen.<br><br>When the representative of William, Duke of Normandy (later king of England as William the Conqueror), came to ask for my hand in marriage, I replied that I was far too high-born (being descended from King Alfred the Great of England) to consider marrying a bastard. <br><br>When that was repeated to William, he rode from Normandy to Bruges, found me on my way to church, dragged me off my horse by my long braids, threw me down in the street in front of my flabbergasted attendants, and then rode off. <br><br>Naturally my father took offense at this but, before they drew swords, I settled the matter by deciding to marry him, and even a papal ban (on the grounds of consanguinity because we were cousins) did not dissuade me. We were married in 1053after we promised the pope to build an abbey.<br><br>There were rumours that I had been in love with the English ambassador to Flanders, a Saxon named Brihtric, who declined y advances. Whatever the truth of the matter, years later when I was acting as Regent for William in England, I used my authority to confiscate Brihtric's lands and throw him into prison, where he died.<br><br>When William was preparing to invade England, I outfitted a ship, the Mora, with my own money and gave it to him. For many years it was thought that I had some involvement in the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry, but it was commissioned by William's half-brother Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, and made by English artists in Kent.<br><br>I bore my husband eleven children, and he was faithful to me, at least up until the time our son Robert rebelled against his father and I sided with Robert against William. <br><br>After I died, in 1083 at the age of 51, William became tyrannical, and people blamed it on his having lost me in death. Contrary to the belief that I was buried at St. Stephen's, also called l'Abbaye-aux-Hommes in Caen, Normandy, where William was eventually buried, I am entombed at l'Abbaye aux Dames, which is the Sainte-Trinité church, also in Caen. <br><br>Of particular interest is the 11th century slab, a sleek black stone decorated with my epitaph, marking my grave at the rear of the church. It is of special note since the grave marker for William was replaced as recently as the beginning of the 19th century.<br><br>In 1819 and 1959 my incomplete skeleton was examined in France, and my bones were measured to determine my actual height. The 1819 estimate was under five feet, while the 1959 estimate was 5' (152 cm) tall. </span>