Ida of Lorraine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ida of Lorraine
Born	c. 1040
Died	13 April 1113 (aged 72–73)
Spouse(s)	Eustace II of Boulogne
Children	Eustace III Godfrey of Bouillon Baldwin I
Parent(s)	Godfrey III, Duke of Lower Lorraine Doda

Ida of Lorraine (also known as Blessed Ida of Boulogne) was an important noblewoman and a saint. She was born around 1040 and lived until April 13, 1113. Ida was the daughter of Godfrey III, Duke of Lower Lorraine, a powerful ruler, and his wife Doda. Her brother was Godfrey IV, Duke of Lower Lorraine.

Ida's Family Life

In 1049, Ida married Eustace II, Count of Boulogne. A count was a noble who ruled a region called a county. Together, Ida and Eustace had three sons and possibly one daughter:

• Eustace III: He became the next Count of Boulogne after his father.
• Godfrey of Bouillon: He was the first leader of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. This kingdom was set up during the First Crusade.
• Baldwin: He became the second ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
• Ida of Boulogne: Some historians believe they also had a daughter named Ida. She married Herman von Malsen and later Conon, Count of Montaigu.

Ida chose to breastfeed her own children. This was unusual for noblewomen at the time. She wanted to make sure her children learned good values from her directly. When her sons went on the First Crusade, Ida gave a lot of money to help them.

Ida's Religious Work

Ida was always very religious and helped others. After her husband died, she had more money and freedom. She used her wealth to support many religious projects. She helped start several monasteries, which are places where monks or nuns live and pray.

Some of the monasteries she founded include:

• Saint-Wulmer in Boulogne-sur-Mer
• Our Lady of the Chapel in Calais
• Saint-Bertin
• Abbey of Cappelle
• Abbey of Le Wast

Ida also wrote letters to Anselm of Canterbury, who was a very important religious leader. Some of these letters still exist today. She became very involved in church life. However, experts today believe she did not become a full Benedictine Nun. Instead, she was a "Secular Oblate of the Benedictine Order." This means she followed the rules of the Benedictine Order but did not live in a monastery.

Death and Legacy

Ida died on April 13, 1113. This is the day she is honored as a saint. She was first buried at the monastery of Le Wast. Later, her remains were moved to Paris in 1669. Then, in 1808, they were moved again to Bayeux.

A monk from the monastery of Le Wast wrote her life story. Today, Ida is still honored in Bayeux.