margrave of Flanders From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Baldwin I (died 879), also known as Baldwin Iron Arm (French: Bras de Fer), was a French nobleman and c. 863 became the first count of Flanders.
Baldwin's father was named Audacer but little else is known of him.[1] His family was related to the counts of Laon.[1] Before holding Flanders Baldwin was already a count, probably at Ghent.[1] Baldwin was in Senlis in 862. Somehow he decided to take Judith, the daughter of Charles the Bald, the king, for his wife.[2] Judith, had been the wife of two English kings, Athelwulf († 858) and Athelbald († 860).[3] On her return and still in her teens she was being held at the castle of Senlis by her father.[lower-alpha 1][4] Baldwin took Judith, the twice widowed daughter of Charles the Bald,[lower-alpha 2] and the couple fled to the court of Lothair II, king of Lorraine. He was Judith's cousin.[2] Once they were safely out of her father's reach Baldwin married her. This was about 863.[3] King Charles had his bishops excommunicate the couple.[2] He also demanded that his nephew return Baldwin and his daughter Judith to him. At this point Baldwin and Judith fled to Rome. They asked Pope Nicholas I to intercede and legitimize their marriage.[2] Baldwin made known his intent to join the Vikings if his marriage was not allowed. Vikings were a constant threat in northern France and Baldwin was needed to help fight them.[2] The pope decided their marriage was valid and had the bishops withdraw their excommunication. Charles the Bald was forced to accept Baldwin as his son-in-law.[lower-alpha 3][2] The couple was married a second time, in public. Her father did not attend but sent officials to witness the marriage.[8] He gave Baldwin the honors the pope recommended.[8]
Baldwin was given rule over Flanders with the title of margrave (count of a borderland) of Flanders.[9] He protected Flanders for the next fifteen years from Vikings. He became known for his harsh treatment of anyone attacking Flanders. This later gave him the name "Baldwin Iron Arm".[9] In 867 Baldwin built a castle at Ghent to protect from Viking raids.[10] The city built up around the castle. Ghent became the seat of his countship.[10] Baldwin also built a castle at Bruges, the port city on the North Sea. It too was for the purpose of stopping Viking plundering.[11] When Charles the Bald died in 877, Baldwin faithfully supported his son, Louis the Stammerer, helping him become king of the Franks.[9] Baldwin died in 879.[9]
Baldwin married Judith (c. 844–after 870), daughter of Charles the Bald, King of the Franks and Holy Roman Emperor.[12] Together they had:
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