Matilda of Flanders, wife of William the Conqueror, was not only one of the most influential medieval queens of England, but also the first woman to be crowned and titled Queen of England. after the Norman Conquest. Mathilde was of illustrious descent: her father, Baudouin V, was Count of Flanders, and her mother Adela, daughter of the King of France. One way or the other, Mathilde was related to most of the royal families of Europe. She founded the Abbaye-aux-Dames, paid to build the ship, the Mora, and, above all, helped govern a powerful kingdom. She gave William eleven children, including two kings, William II and Henry I. Any woman tasked with becoming queen knows she will have many responsibilities, but few could do what Matilda of Flanders did. Due to his father's wealth and high rank. , Mathilde was highly sought after as a wife. She was well educated and said to be very beautiful. Modern research shows that it never exceeded five feet in height. Mathilde caught the attention of the powerful William, Duke of Normandy. He had fallen in love with her the moment he first saw her at the French court and it was said that he was so passionately captivated by her that he would do anything to get her. According to legend, when William's representative asked Mathilde if she would marry the Duke of Normandy, she refused, saying that she was too born to consider marrying a "bastard". William was the son of Robert, Duke of Normandy and his mistress, Herleva. Legend also says that when William learned of her refusal, he rode from Normandy to Flanders, found Mathilde on her way to church, dragged her from his horse by her long braids, beat her and left. After that, she shockingly agreed to marry him. The Count of Fl...... middle of paper ...... I am plunged into a deep depression. He becomes tyrannical and abandons hunting which was his favorite sport. People blamed him for the loss of his beloved wife. After four years, in 1087, William died and was buried at the Abbey of Saint-Étienne. Matilda of Flanders was the most influential woman of her time. Not only was she a duchess but also a queen. She was good at planning events, was known for supporting her husband, finding the Abbaye-aux-Dames and being involved in the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry. Matilda built the Mora, William's main ship, which took part in the Norman Conquest and bore him ten children, including one whose relationship with his father may have contributed to Matilda's failing state. After her death, her husband fell into depression and died shortly after. Matilda's strong will was admired throughout her time and she is still a woman admired today..