Matilda of Flanders

Who was Matilda of Flanders?

Matilda of Flanders (French: Mathilde; Dutch: Mathilde; German: Mechtild; died 2 November 1083) was the daughter of Baldwin V, the Count of Flanders. She was the mother of at least nine children who survived to adulthood, including two kings of England, William II and Henry I. Matilda was born into the House of Flanders to Baldwin V of Flanders and Adela of France. A member of the aristocracy, Matilda was of grander birth than her husband William, who was illegitimate. She was the mother of at least nine children who survived to adulthood, including two kings of England, William II and Henry I. She became Duchess of Normandy by marriage to William the Conqueror, and regent of Normandy during his absences from the duchy, when William was on campaign in England. Two years after William conquered England she was crowned Queen of England.

Flanders was of strategic importance to England and Europe as a "stepping stone between England and the Continent," necessary for strategic trade and for keeping the Scandinavian intruders from England.

Historical significance

She was descended from Charlemagne and was closely related to most of the royal families of Europe. Her grandfather was Robert II of France.