Judith of Flanders

Judith of Flanders was born between 1030 and 1035 in Bruges, the only child of Baldwin IV, Count of Flanders, and Eleanor of Normandy. Her family connections included her niece Matilda of Flanders, who married William the Conqueror. Judith's first marriage was to Tostig Godwinson, brother of King Harold II of England, before September 1051. She became Countess of Northumbria in 1055 when Tostig was made Earl of Northumbria.

Judith was known for her piety and intellectual pursuits, owning many books and illuminated manuscripts. She donated generously to the Church of St Cuthbert in Durham, including an ornate crucifix. In 1065, a rebellion in Northumbria led to Tostig's outlawing, and Judith fled to Flanders with her family. Tostig was killed at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, after which Judith moved to Denmark.

In 1071, Judith married Welf I, Duke of Bavaria, becoming Duchess of Bavaria. They lived at the castle of Ravensburg and had three children: Welf II, Henry IX, and Kunizza of Bavaria. Judith continued her patronage of religious institutions, bequeathing her library and a relic to Weingarten Abbey.

Judith of Flanders died on 5 March 1095 and was buried at Weingarten Abbey. Her husband, Welf I, continued to live until 1101, dying in Cyprus.