Matilda of Béthune facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Matilda of Béthune |
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| Matilda of Béthune, | |
| Spouse(s) | Guy, Count of Flanders |
| Noble family | Bethune |
| Father | Robert VII, Lord of Béthune |
| Mother | Elisabeth of Morialmé |
| Died | 8 November 1263 |
| Burial | Flines Abbey |
Matilda of Béthune (died 8 November 1264) was an important noblewoman. She came from a region called Artois. Matilda became the countess of Flanders when she married Guy, Count of Flanders. She inherited many lands and titles from her father. These included being the Lady of Béthune, Dendermonde, Richebourg, and Warneton. She also held the title of Advocatess of the Abbey of Saint Vaast in Arras. Matilda ruled these lands from 1248 to 1264. She was the mother of Robert, Count of Flanders. He was also known as Robert of Béthune, taking his mother's family name.
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Matilda's Early Life
Matilda, also known as Mathilde or Mahaut, was born around 1230. She was the first child of Robert VII. Her father was the Lord of Béthune and a major landowner. He was also one of the twelve most important nobles in Flanders. Matilda's mother was Elizabeth. Elizabeth was the daughter of Arnulf IV, Lord of Morialmé. Matilda had two younger sisters, Elizabeth and Sarah.
Becoming a Countess
When Matilda was about 16, she got engaged to Guy of Dampierre. Guy was chosen to rule Flanders alongside his mother, Countess Margaret II. His older brother, William III, had died in 1251. This marriage was very important for Matilda's family. Her father, Robert of Béthune, gave her a large part of his lands and titles.
In October 1245, even before she was married, her father made her his heir. She would inherit his ancient family lands outside Béthune. These lands were called the Pays de l'Alleu. Her father had great power there, even the power of life and death. The marriage contract was signed on February 2, 1246. The wedding then took place in Béthune.
On June 24, 1248, Robert and Elizabeth wrote a letter. It confirmed that Guy and Matilda would inherit Robert's lands and titles. This happened soon after, when news reached France that Robert had died. Matilda then became the Lady of Béthune, Dendermonde, Richebourg, and Warneton. She also became the Advocatess of the Abbey of Saint Vaast at Arras. Because of his marriage, Guy also took on the title of Lord of these lands.
Matilda's Family
Matilda and Guy were married for 15 years. They had eight children together.
Matilda's Children
- Mary (died 1297): She married twice.
- In 1266, she married William of Jülich. Their son, William of Jülich, died in 1304.
- In 1285, she married Simon II of Châteauvillain. They had eight children.
- Robert III (1249–1322): He became the Count of Flanders after his father.
- William (after 1249 – 1311): He became Lord of Dendermonde and Richebourg. He married Alice in 1286 and had children.
- John (1250 – 4 October 1290): He became a high-ranking church leader. He was made Bishop of Metz and then Bishop of Liège.
- Baldwin (1252–1296).
- Margaret (around 1253 – 3 July 1285): She married John I, Duke of Brabant in 1273. They had four children, including John II, Duke of Brabant.
- Beatrice (around 1260 – 5 April 1291): She married Floris V, Count of Holland around 1270. She was the mother of John I, Count of Holland.
- Philip (around 1263 – November 1318): He was the Count of Teano. He married twice.
- In 1284, he married Matilda, Countess of Chieti.
- Around 1305, he married Petronella. They had three children.
Death and Burial
Matilda died on November 8, 1264. She was buried in a black marble tomb. This tomb was in the Chapel of Saint Hubert. The chapel was inside the abbey church of Flines-lez-Raches. Her husband, Guy, was later buried next to her. Guy remarried in 1265 and had eight more children with his second wife.
