Baldwin IV, Count of Flanders facts for kids
Baldwin IV of Flanders (born around 980, died 1035) was also known as Baldwin the Bearded. He was an important leader in France and the Count of Flanders. A "Count" was like a powerful ruler of a region. Baldwin ruled Flanders from 987 until he passed away. During his time, Flanders grew much stronger and became a very important area.
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Becoming Count
Baldwin IV was born around the year 980. His father was Arnulf II, who was also the Count of Flanders. His mother was Rozala of Ivrea. When Baldwin's father died in 987, Baldwin became the new Count of Flanders. He was still very young at the time.
Because he was so young, his mother, Rozala, became the regent of Flanders. A regent is someone who rules for a child until they are old enough to rule by themselves.
Early Challenges
After his father's death, Baldwin's mother, Rozala, married again. This marriage was arranged by Hugh Capet, who was the King of France. Rozala married Hugh's son, Robert II, who later became King of France.
However, King Robert ended their marriage in 991. Because of this, young Baldwin rebelled against the King. They eventually reached an agreement. As part of this agreement, two important areas, Artois and Ostrevant, which had been taken from Flanders, were given back to Baldwin.
Expanding Flanders
Unlike the Counts before him, Baldwin was very interested in expanding Flanders to the east. He let other local leaders, called vassals, manage the southern parts of his land. A vassal was a noble who held land from a lord and owed him loyalty and service.
Baldwin was the first Count of Flanders to really expand his control eastward. He received land called Zeeland from the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry II. This land was given to him as a fief, which means he held it from the Emperor in exchange for loyalty. He also gained control of Valenciennes from the Emperor. Later, Baldwin also took parts of Cambresis, as well as Saint-Omer and northern Ternois.
During Baldwin's rule, the economy of Flanders grew a lot. This made Flanders a very strong and wealthy region. Baldwin IV died on May 30, 1035.
His Family
Baldwin IV married twice.
First Marriage
His first wife was Ogive of Luxembourg. She was the daughter of Frederick of Luxembourg. Together, they had one son:
- Baldwin V, Count of Flanders (1012–1067). He became the Count of Flanders after his father passed away.
Second Marriage
His second wife was Eleanor of Normandy. She was the daughter of Richard II, who was the Duke of Normandy. With Eleanor, Baldwin had one daughter:
- Judith (1033–1094). She married Tostig Godwinson. Later, she married Welf I, who was the Duke of Bavaria.
See also
In Spanish: Balduino IV de Flandes para niños
