Matilda, Both a Queen and a Duchess

Matilda of Flanders, the wife of William the Conqueror, was not only one of the most influential medieval Queens of England but the first woman to be crowned and titled Queen of England after the Norman Conquest. Matilda was of illustrious descent: her father, Baldwin V, was the Count of Flanders, and her mother Adela, was a daughter of the King of France. On one side or the other, Matilda was related to most of the royal families of Europe. She found the Abbaye-aux-Dames, paid to have the ship, the Mora, built, and most importantly, helped rule a powerful kingdom. She bore William eleven children including two kings, William II and Henry I. Any woman given the task to be a Queen knows they will have many responsibilities but not many could do what Matilda of Flanders did.

Due to her father’s wealth and her high rank, Matilda was highly sought after as a bride. She was well educated and said to be very beautiful. Modern research shows that she never exceeded five feet in height. Matilda gained the attention of the powerful William, Duke of Normandy. He had fallen in love with her when he first saw her at the French court and was said to be so passionately captivated by her that he would do anything to obtain her. According to legend, when William's representative asked Matilda if she would marry the Duke of Normandy, she declined by saying that she was too high born to consider marrying a “bastard”. William was the son of Robert, Duke of Normandy and his mistress, Herleva. The legend also says that when William heard of her refusal, he rode from Normandy to Flanders, found Matilda on her way to church, dragged her off her horse by her long braids, beat her and left. After this she shockingly agreed to marry him.

The Count of Fl...

... middle of paper ...

...am plunged into deep depression. He became tyrannical and quit hunting which was his favorite sport. People blamed it on him losing his beloved wife. After four years, in 1087, William died, and was buried at St. Stephen's Abbey.

Matilda of Flanders was the most influential woman of her time. Not only was she a duchess but also a Queen. She was talented at planning events, was known for being supportive of her husband, finding the Abbaye-aux-Dames, and being involved in the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry. Matilda built the Mora, William's main vessel, that was in the Norman Conquest and bore him ten children, one whose fued with his father may have contributed to Matilda's failing state. After her death, her husband plunged into depression and passed away shortly after. Matilda's strong will was admire throughout her time and is still a woman that is admired today.