Baldwin I of Flanders
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About
Baldwin the First, Count of Flanders, called Iron Arm, eloped with Judith, daughter of Charles the Bald, in 862, and was excommunicated for it before the Pope talked her father round. He then spent his life defending the Flemish coast against Viking raids. Through his wife the Carolingian house enters this family.
Research notes
✓ DOCUMENTED (Standard, undisputed account (the counts of Flanders = a classic gateway pedigree; CP / Europaeische Stammtafeln / Settipani) - relaxed-rule entry 23 Jul 2026, provenance so noted.): BALDWIN I 'IRON ARM', 1ST COUNT OF FLANDERS (d. 879) - founder of the comital house; famously ELOPED WITH JUDITH, daughter of the West Frankish king, c. 862 (a scandal that reached the Pope, who eventually secured Charles's blessing). Father of Baldwin II (our line). Direct ancestor. Added 23 Jul 2026.