Baldwin V, Count of Flanders facts for kids
Baldwin V of Flanders (born 1012, died 1067) was a powerful French nobleman. He was also known as Baldwin de Lille. He ruled as the Count of Flanders from 1035 until his death. Baldwin was one of the most important counts in France during his time.
Contents
Who Was Baldwin V?
Early Life and Family
Baldwin V was the son of Baldwin IV, Count of Flanders. His mother was Ogive of Luxembourg. In 1028, Baldwin married Adèle of France. She was the daughter of King Robert II of France.
At first, Baldwin rebelled against his father. This happened because Adèle encouraged him. But they made up in 1030. When his father died in 1035, Baldwin became the new Count of Flanders.
Becoming Count of Flanders
As Count, Baldwin V worked to make Flanders strong. He often had good relationships with other leaders. For example, he was friends with Eustace I, Count of Boulogne. They signed important agreements together. These agreements helped limit the power of certain noblemen who protected monasteries. These protectors, called advocates, sometimes took advantage of the churches they were supposed to help. Baldwin made sure they protected the church, not exploited it.
Baldwin's Power and Influence
Baldwin V used his power in many ways. He often helped people who were in trouble.
Friends and Foes
Flanders did not always have good relations with England. Baldwin often gave a safe place to English exiles. He even gave them ships and soldiers. For example, he protected Queen Emma and her sons, Alfred and Harthacnut. Later, when Earl Godwin, Earl of Wessex was exiled, Baldwin welcomed him. He also helped Godwin prepare to return to England.
However, England's King Edward the Confessor was wary of Baldwin. In 1049, Edward sent his fleet to the coast of Flanders. This happened when Baldwin was fighting Henry III, Holy Roman Emperor. This threat made Baldwin seek peace with the Emperor.
Smart Marriages and Alliances
Baldwin V gained a lot of influence through clever marriages. He made alliances with families in England, France, and Germany. He was very close to the French king, Henry I of France. From 1060 to 1067, Baldwin even served as a Regent for his young nephew, Philip I of France. This meant he helped rule France.
In 1051, Baldwin arranged for his son, Baldwin VI, to marry Richildis. She was the widow of Count Herman of Hainault. This marriage gave Baldwin control over Hainault through his son. Hainault was part of the Holy Roman Empire. This led to fights between Baldwin V and Emperor Henry III. After some defeats, Henry III went back to Germany and died.
Baldwin's daughter, Matilda, married William I of England. William later became the King of England. At first, the Pope did not allow this marriage. This was probably because Matilda and William were cousins. But they married anyway, around 1050-1052. Baldwin allowed some Flemish support for William's invasion of England. However, Baldwin and William were not always friendly. The English king was careful of Baldwin's growing power.
Baldwin V grew old and died on September 1, 1067.
His Children
Baldwin and his wife Adèle had three children:
- Baldwin 'de Mons': He became Count of Flanders after his father.
- Matilda: Born around 1032, died 1083. She married William the Conqueror. She became the Queen consort of England.
- Robert 'le Frison': Born around 1035, died 1093. He became Count of Flanders and Count of Holland.
See also
In Spanish: Balduino V de Flandes para niños
