Clementia of Burgundy facts for kids

Clementia of Burgundy (born around 1078 – died around 1133) was an important noblewoman. She became the Countess of Flanders when she married Robert II. Clementia also served as a ruler, called a regent, for Flanders. She did this first when her husband was away on a crusade (from 1096 to 1100). Later, she ruled for her son, Baldwin VII, from 1111 to 1119.

Her Family Background

Clementia was the daughter of Count William I of Burgundy. Her mother was a noblewoman named Stephanie. Clementia's family was very close to the Catholic Church. Two of her brothers became important church leaders called archbishops. Another brother even became the Pope, named Callixtus II.

Becoming Countess of Flanders

In 1092, Clementia married Robert II, who was the Count of Flanders. This made her the Countess of Flanders. Her husband gave her a large gift of land and towns. This gift was called a "dower." It included about one-third of Flanders. It stretched from Lille to Douai to Bapaume.

Having so much land helped Clementia connect with many people. She became a supporter of different monasteries. She also made friends with important families. This helped her spread the count's influence. Because of this, she gained power to help rule Flanders.

Clementia and Count Robert II had three sons. Their son Baldwin would become the next ruler. This happened after Robert II died in 1111.

First Time as Regent

In 1096, Count Robert II left to join the First Crusade. Clementia then became the regent of Flanders. As the ruler, she had a lot of power. She even influenced the making of money. Her name was put on the coins that were minted. She was also asked to help with difficult situations. For example, she helped protect travelers from attacks in Bapaume.

When Robert II came back from the crusade, Clementia's power did not end. They ruled together. Her name appeared on many official documents. After her husband returned, she focused on church matters. She supported many monasteries and gave land for church use.

Second Time as Regent

In 1111, Count Robert II died in a battle. After his death, their son Baldwin VII became the new count. Baldwin was eighteen years old, old enough to rule alone. However, Clementia was officially recognized as his co-regent. She was very powerful, especially during his first year. All the official documents from that time included her name.

They ruled together peacefully for a while. But then Baldwin VII became closer to his cousin, Charles of Denmark.

In 1119, Baldwin VII was killed in battle. Charles then became the new count. Clementia did not like Charles. She used her influence to gather an army against him. However, she lost the battle to Charles. He captured four of her dower towns. This cut off resources for her army. Because of this, Clementia lost her power to rule Flanders.

Even so, Clementia continued to issue official documents. These documents were about her dower lands and towns. She did this until her death in 1133.

Second Marriage

After her son, Baldwin VII, died in 1119, Clementia married again. She married Count Godfrey I of Louvain. Some historians believe Clementia might have been the mother of Godfrey's son, Joscelin.