Baldwin II, Margrave of Flanders facts for kids

Baldwin II (around 865 – 10 September 918) was an important ruler known as the second Count of Flanders. He ruled from 879 until his death in 918. People called him the Bald because his grandfather, Emperor Charles the Bald, also had that nickname.

Baldwin II's Rule in Flanders

Baldwin II was born around 865. His father was Baldwin I of Flanders, and his mother was Judith, who was the daughter of Emperor Charles the Bald.

When Baldwin II first became count, his lands faced many attacks from Vikings. These raids caused a lot of damage in Flanders. By 883, he had to move his main area of control north to a region called Pagus Flandransis. This area then became strongly linked with the Counts of Flanders.

To protect his people, Baldwin built many wooden forts in important places like Saint-Omer, Bruges, Ghent, and Kortrijk. He also took control of lands that had been left empty by royal and church officials. Many of these forts later became important centers called castellanies. These places were used for government, military defense, and local courts.

Political Challenges and Expansion

In 888, the king of the Western Franks, Charles the Fat, was removed from power. This led to several people wanting to become the new king. Because Baldwin was the grandson of Charles the Bald, a former king, he could have tried for the crown himself. Instead, Baldwin and others tried to convince Arnulf, the king of the Eastern Franks, to take the Western Frankish crown. However, Arnulf said no.

Eventually, Odo, Count of Paris, became the new king. But Baldwin and Odo's relationship became difficult. Odo did not support Baldwin's efforts to gain control of the important Abbey of St. Bertin. King Odo even attacked Baldwin in Bruges, but he could not win. Baldwin continued to expand his territory to the south. He gained control over Artois, which included another important place, the Abbey of St. Vaast.

Marriage and Family

Between 893 and 899, Baldwin II married Ælfthryth. She was the daughter of the famous King Alfred the Great of Wessex, who ruled in England. This marriage created an important alliance between Flanders and England. One main goal of this alliance was to help Baldwin control the lower Canche River valley.

Baldwin and Ælfthryth had four children:

• Arnulf I of Flanders (born around 890, died 964)
• Adalulf, Count of Boulogne (born around 890, died 933)
• Ealswid
• Ermentrud

Death and Legacy

In 900, the Abbey of St. Bertin came under the control of Archbishop Fulk of Reims. Baldwin had a serious conflict with the archbishop, which led to the archbishop's death. Because of this, Baldwin was excommunicated (removed from the church) by Pope Benedict IV.

Baldwin also tried to expand his lands further into the upper Somme River valley. However, Herbert I, Count of Vermandois opposed him. This conflict also resulted in the death of Count Herbert I.

Baldwin II died on 10 September 918, near Ghent. His eldest son, Arnulf I of Flanders, became the next Count of Flanders. His younger son, Adalulf, became the first Count of Boulogne.

See also

In Spanish: Balduino II de Flandes para niños