Arnulf III, Count of Flanders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arnulf III |
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| Count of Flanders | |
| Reign | 1070-1071 |
| Predecessor | Baldwin VI |
| Successor | Robert I |
| Regent | Richilde, Countess of Hainaut |
| Born | c. 1055 |
| Died | 1071 Battle of Cassel |
| House | House of Flanders |
| Father | Baldwin VI, Count of Flanders |
| Mother | Richilde, Countess of Mons and Hainaut |
Arnulf III was a young ruler who became the Count of Flanders in 1070. Sadly, he died in a battle called the Battle of Cassel in 1071.
Contents
Who Was Arnulf III?
Arnulf was born around 1055. His parents were Baldwin VI, Count of Flanders, and Richilde, Countess of Mons and Hainaut.
Becoming a Count
When his father, Baldwin VI, was dying in 1070, he made plans for his sons. Arnulf, as the oldest, would become the Count of Flanders. His younger brother, Baldwin, would rule Hainaut.
Arnulf was still too young to rule by himself. So, his father asked his brother, Robert, to protect Arnulf. Robert promised to do this. Arnulf's mother, Richilde, was chosen to rule Flanders for him until he was old enough.
The Fight for Flanders
After his father died in 1070, Arnulf's uncle Robert broke his promise. Robert wanted to be the Count of Flanders instead of Arnulf.
Asking for Help
Arnulf's mother, Richilde, asked King Philip I of France for help. King Philip told Robert to come and explain himself. But Robert refused. He kept trying to take control from Richilde and Arnulf.
So, King Philip gathered an army and went to Flanders. Norman soldiers also joined them. These soldiers were likely sent by Arnulf's aunt, Queen Matilda. William FitzOsbern led them. Another ally for Arnulf and his mother was Eustace II, Count of Boulogne. He brought many supporters.
The Battle of Cassel
The two armies met at the Battle of Cassel on February 22, 1071. Robert's army won the battle.
During the fight, Robert was captured. But his soldiers managed to capture Countess Richilde. They exchanged Robert for Richilde, and the battle continued.
Sadly, Arnulf was killed during this battle. He was killed by Gerbod the Fleming, 1st Earl of Chester. It might have been an accident.
After the Battle
After Arnulf's death, Robert claimed he was the new Count of Flanders. Countess Richilde and her son Baldwin went back to Hainaut. They kept trying to fight against Robert.
Arnulf III was very young when he died. He was not married and had no children.
See also
- Counts of Flanders family tree
