Baldwin I, Margrave of Flanders facts for kids

Baldwin I (born around 830s – died 879), also known as Baldwin Iron Arm, was the very first ruler of Flanders. This area later became known as the County of Flanders. His nickname, "Iron Arm," was first used much later, in the 1100s.

His Marriage to Princess Judith

Baldwin became famous when he ran away with Judith. She was the daughter of Charles the Bald, who was the king of West Francia (an old kingdom in what is now France). Judith had been married twice before to kings in England, but after her second husband died, she returned to France.

Around Christmas in 861, Baldwin and Judith decided to elope. Judith was being kept under watch in the city of Senlis, Oise, but she escaped with Baldwin. King Charles was very angry because he had not given permission for them to marry. He tried to catch Baldwin and even sent letters to other leaders, telling them not to help the couple.

Investiture of Baldwin I by Charles the Bald, as imagined in the 15th century

Dealing with the King

Since Baldwin and Judith kept escaping, King Charles had his bishops excommunicate them. This meant they were officially kicked out of the church. In response, Judith and Baldwin traveled all the way to Rome to ask Pope Nicholas I for help.

By November 862, they had won the Pope's support. In June 863, Pope Nicholas sent his own bishops to pressure King Charles into allowing the marriage. Later that year, Baldwin and Judith were allowed to return to France and get married in a big church in Auxerre. King Charles did not attend the wedding, but he gave Baldwin back all his titles and lands.

King Charles then made Baldwin the Margrave of Flanders. This meant Baldwin was in charge of defending the area from Vikings. Some people think Charles hoped Baldwin would be killed fighting the Vikings. However, Baldwin was very good at his job and used this position to make his territory bigger and stronger. By 870, he had gained more land and control, including an important abbey in Ghent.

Baldwin's Children

Baldwin I and Judith had several children:

• Charles, who was named after his grandfather but died young.
• Baldwin II (born around 866 – died 918), who took over as the ruler of Flanders after his father.
• Ralph (born around 869 – murdered 896), who became a count. He was killed in a fight with another powerful leader.
• Guinidilda, who married Wilfred the Hairy, a count in Spain.

Baldwin's Achievements

Baldwin became a very loyal and strong supporter of King Charles. He played a key role in the ongoing wars against the Vikings. In 877, he was named as one of the people who would support the king's son, Louis the Stammerer.

During his life, Baldwin expanded his territory greatly. He turned Flanders into one of the most important areas in West Francia. He died in 879 and was buried in a church called the Abbey of St-Bertin, near Saint-Omer.

See also

In Spanish: Balduino I de Flandes para niños