Matilda of Flanders

Matilda of Flanders, the daughter of Baldwin V, Count of Flanders, was born in about 1030. William the Conqueror sought to marry Matilda in 1049. At first Pope Leo IX refused permission claiming that the couple were too closely related. Permission was finally granted in 1051. In return, Matilda had to agree to pay for the building of the Holy Trinity for nuns at Caen.

Matilda gave birth to nine children. Seven of these survived: Robert Curthose, Richard (killed in a hunting accident in 1075), Cecily, William Rufus, Agatha, Henry Beauclerk and Adela.

In 1066 William the Conqueror invaded England. Matilda, with the help of Roger de Beaumont, ruled Normandy in his absence. In December, 1067, her son Robert became the regent of Normandy. Matilda was crowned queen of England on 11th May 1068 but spent most of her life in France.

In 1077 Matilda's eldest son, Robert Curthose, suggested that he should become the ruler of Normandy and Maine. When William the Conqueror refused, Robert rebelled and attempted to seize Rouen. The rebellion failed and Robert was forced to flee and established himself at Gerberoi. William besieged him there in 1080 but Matilda managed to persuade the two men to end their feud.

After a long illness Matilda of Flanders died in Normandy on 3rd November 1083. She was buried in her church in Caen. Her tomb was richly adorned and is in the middle of the choir.