Matilda of Flanders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Matilda of Flanders |
|
|---|---|
Statue of Matilda of Flanders, one of the twenty Reines de France et Femmes illustres in the Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, by Carle Elshoecht (1850)
|
|
| Queen consort of England | |
| Tenure | 25 December 1066 – 2 November 1083 |
| Coronation | 11 May 1068 |
| Born | c. 1031 |
| Died | 2 November 1083 (aged c. 52) |
| Burial | l'Abbaye aux Dames Caen, Normandy |
| Spouse | William I of England (m. 1051/2) |
| Issue Detail |
|
| House | Flanders |
| Father | Baldwin V, Count of Flanders |
| Mother | Adela of France |
Matilda of Flanders (French: Mathilde; Dutch: Machteld) was born around 1031 and died on November 2, 1083. She became the Queen of England and Duchess of Normandy. She gained these titles by marrying William the Conqueror. Matilda also served as a regent for Normandy when William was away. She was the mother of ten children who grew up, including two future kings: William II and Henry I.
Contents
Early Life and Family Connections
Matilda was born in 1031 into the important House of Flanders. She was the second daughter of Count Baldwin V, Count of Flanders and Adela of France. Her mother, Adela, was the daughter of Robert II of France, a king.
The region of Flanders was very important. It was like a bridge between England and Europe, crucial for trade. It also helped protect England from invaders from Scandinavia. Because of her royal connections, Matilda was considered to be of higher birth than William. William was born out of wedlock, which meant he was not considered legitimate by some.
Marriage to William the Conqueror
Matilda was about 20 years old when she married William in 1051 or 1052. William was about four years older than her. He had been the Duke of Normandy since he was about eight years old.
Their marriage seemed to be a happy one. William was known for being loyal to Matilda. They did not have any children outside of their marriage.
There was a story about how Matilda first refused to marry William. She reportedly said she was too high-born to marry him because he was a "bastard." The story says William rode to Bruges, found her, and pulled her off her horse by her braids. He then threw her down in the street. Another version says he did this at her father's house in Lille.
Despite this dramatic story, Matilda later insisted she would marry no one but William. Even a ban from Pope Leo IX did not stop her. The Pope had forbidden their marriage because they were distant cousins. This was against the rules of the church at the time.
William and Matilda finally married after a delay. A special permission from Pope Nicholas II was given in 1059. This permission came after they agreed to build two churches.
Duchess of Normandy and Queen of England
When William planned to invade England, Matilda helped him. She paid for and gave him a ship called the Mora. William left Matilda in charge of Normandy while he was away. She managed the duchy well, and there were no major problems.
Matilda joined William in England more than a year after he conquered it. She was crowned Queen on May 11, 1068, in Westminster. This was a very important ceremony. New phrases were added to show the Queen's importance. They said she was chosen by God and shared in royal power.
Even after William became King of England, Matilda spent most of her time in Normandy. She continued to govern the duchy. She also supported her brother's interests in Flanders. Only one of her children, Henry, was born in England. This happened when Matilda was with William during a campaign in Yorkshire.
Matilda served as regent in Normandy six times. This was between 1066 and 1076. She was a strong and capable leader.
Children and Education
Matilda and William had nine or ten children together. They were known for being very well educated. This was unusual for royal children at that time.
Matilda cared deeply about her children's education. Her daughters learned Latin at Sainte-Trinité Abbey in Caen. This abbey was founded by William and Matilda. For her sons, she arranged for them to be taught by Lanfranc. Lanfranc later became the Archbishop of Canterbury. Both Matilda and William supported Lanfranc's efforts to improve the Church.
William became very angry when he found out Matilda sent money to their son Robert. Robert was living in exile at the time. Matilda helped make peace between William and Robert in 1080.
Matilda also became the godmother to Matilda of Scotland. This younger Matilda later became Queen of England. She married Matilda's son, Henry I. During the christening, the baby pulled Queen Matilda's headdress down. This was seen as a sign that the baby would also become a queen one day.
Death and Burial
Matilda became sick in the summer of 1083. She died on November 2, 1083, at about 52 years old. William was with her when she died. He was very sad and promised to stop hunting, which was his favorite sport. William himself died four years later in 1087.
Matilda was buried in Caen at l'Abbaye aux Dames. This is also known as the community of Sainte-Trinité. Her grave is marked by a black stone slab from the 11th century. This stone has her epitaph, which is a message about her life. William was buried in a different church in Caen, called l'Abbaye-aux-Hommes.
Over time, Matilda's tomb was disturbed. Her original coffin was destroyed. Her bones were later placed in a sealed box and reburied under the black slab. In 1959, her skeleton was examined. Her height was measured to be about 5 feet (152 cm). This was a normal height for women at that time.
Children of Matilda and William
Matilda and William had four sons and at least five daughters. The order of birth for the boys is known, but not for the daughters.
- Robert (born around 1053 – died 1134), who became Duke of Normandy.
- Richard (born around 1055 – died around 1069-74).
- Adeliza (born around 1057 – died around 1073).
- Cecilia (born around 1058 – died 1127). She became the Abbess of Holy Trinity in Caen.
- William Rufus (born around 1060 – died 1100). He became King of England.
- Matilda (born around 1061 – died around 1086).
- Constance (born around 1062 – died 1090). She married the Duke of Brittany.
- Adela (born around 1067 – died 1137). She married the Count of Blois and was the mother of King Stephen of England.
- Henry (born late 1068 – died 1135). He became King of England.
- Agatha (died unmarried).
Images for kids
-
Seal of William the Conqueror
See also
In Spanish: Matilde de Flandes para niños
