Matilda of Flanders

Matilda of Flanders was Queen of England and Duchess of Normandy by marriage to William the Conqueror. She served as regent of Normandy during his absences and was the mother of nine children, including William II and Henry I. Born into the House of Flanders, she was the daughter of Count Baldwin V of Flanders and Adela of France. Her marriage to William, who was illegitimate, was considered controversial due to their consanguinity, but a papal dispensation was granted. Matilda was crowned Queen of England in 1068 and was known for her role in the governance of Normandy and England, as well as for her influence on the education of her children.

Matilda’s marriage to William was marked by her significant political role, particularly during the Norman conquest of England. She supported her brother’s interests in Flanders and was involved in ecclesiastical matters, founding churches as penance for her marriage. Despite rumors of past romances, she and William had a faithful marriage. She governed Normandy in William’s absence, was crowned queen, and was involved in the founding of ecclesiastical houses. Matilda’s death occurred in 1083 in Normandy, where she was buried at l’Abbaye aux Dames.