Baldwin VI, Count of Flanders facts for kids
Baldwin VI of Flanders (born around 1030, died 1070) was an important nobleman from the Frankish lands. He was also known as Baldwin de Mons. He ruled as the Count of Hainaut from 1051 to 1070, taking the title of Baldwin I. Later, he also became the Count of Flanders in 1067, following his father, and ruled until his death in 1070.
His Life and Rule
Baldwin was the oldest son of Baldwin V, Count of Flanders and Adela of France. His mother, Adela, was a daughter of King Robert II of France. Baldwin VI was also the brother of Matilda of Flanders, who became the Queen of England. Matilda was married to William the Conqueror, the King of England.
Baldwin's father arranged for him to marry Richilde, the Countess of Hainaut. Richilde was the widow of Herman of Mons and had inherited the region of Hainaut. This marriage was forced, and it angered Emperor Henry III. This was because Hainaut was part of the Holy Roman Empire, and the Emperor had not been asked for his permission.
Emperor Henry III went to war against Baldwin VI and his father, Baldwin V. However, the Emperor was not successful. Between 1050 and 1054, Lambert II, Count of Lens, a powerful vassal (a lord who serves another lord) of Baldwin V, fought alongside them against Henry III. Lambert was killed in a battle at Lille in 1054. Other lords, like those from Alost, also fought to support the Counts of Flanders against the Emperor.
Richilde had a son named Roger from her first marriage. She and Baldwin decided that Roger was not suitable to become the next Count of Hainaut. So, they arranged for Roger to become a Bishop. This allowed Baldwin (II), their own son, to become the Count of Hainaut later. Richilde's daughter from her first marriage became a nun. Baldwin VI also gained more land in Hainaut by taking over fiefs (lands given in exchange for loyalty) and buying other properties.
Baldwin VI died on July 17, 1070. His death came quite early. This left both Flanders and Hainaut to his young son, Arnulf III. Richilde became the regent, which means she ruled in place of her young son until he was old enough.
Baldwin also rebuilt the monastery of Hasnon. He gave some of his own lands and money to support it. He brought monks to live there, and it became his burial place after he died.
His Family
Baldwin VI and Richilde had two sons:
- Arnulf III, Count of Flanders (born around 1055, died 1071).
- Baldwin II, Count of Hainaut (born around 1056, died 1098).
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