Margaret I, Countess of Flanders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Margaret I |
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| Margaret's effigy on a seal | |
| Spouse(s) | Ralph II, Count of Vermandois Baldwin V, Count of Hainaut |
| Noble family | Metz |
| Father | Thierry, Count of Flanders |
| Mother | Sibylla of Anjou |
| Born | circa 1145 |
| Died | 15 November 1194 |
| Burial | St. Donatian's Cathedral in Bruges |
Margaret I (born around 1145 – died November 15, 1194) was a powerful ruler. She was the Countess of Flanders in her own right from 1191 until she passed away. This means she held the title and power herself, not just through her husband.
Contents
Margaret's Early Years
Margaret was the daughter of Count Thierry of Flanders and Sibylla of Anjou. Her family was very important in the region.
In 1160, she married Count Ralph II of Vermandois. Sadly, due to his illness, they could not have children. Count Ralph died in 1167.
In 1169, Margaret married Count Baldwin V of Hainaut. He came from a branch of the same powerful family as Margaret.
Becoming Countess of Flanders
In 1191, Margaret's brother, Count Philip I of Flanders, died without any children. This meant Margaret was his closest heir. She claimed the County of Flanders with the help of her husband, Baldwin V.
However, the King of France questioned her claim. He said that Flanders should return to the French crown because there were no male heirs. This problem was solved with a special agreement called the Treaty of Arras.
Some local nobles also caused trouble. Her brother's widow, Theresa of Portugal, was given lands in Flanders. She caused unrest by charging very high taxes on these lands.
Ruling as Countess
Margaret and her husband's right to rule Flanders was finally accepted on March 1, 1192. As Countess, Margaret wanted to make sure her lands were independent.
She did not want foreign groups to have their own special laws or areas. For example, she stopped a group of powerful traders called the Hanse merchants from getting their own special quarter and rules in the port of Damme.
Margaret died on November 15, 1194. Her husband, Baldwin, had become Count only because he was married to her. So, he could not remain the sole ruler after her death. Margaret was succeeded by their son, Baldwin IX.
Margaret's Children
Margaret and Baldwin V had several children:
- Isabella, who married Philip II of France, the King of France.
- Baldwin IX of Flanders (1171–1205), who became Count of Flanders and later a Latin Emperor.
- Yolanda (1175–1219), who married Peter of Courtenay and also became a Latin Empress.
- Philip I of Namur (1175–1212).
- Henry of Flanders (1176–1216), who became a Latin Emperor of Constantinople.
- Sybille (1179–January 9, 1217), who married Guichard IV, Sire de Beaujeu. They had a daughter named Agnes of Beaujeu.
- Eustace (died 1219), who was a regent (a temporary ruler) of the Kingdom of Thessalonica.
- Godfrey.
Images for kids
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Margaret's effigy on a seal
See also
In Spanish: Margarita I de Flandes para niños
