Richilde, Countess of Hainaut

Richilde, Countess of Mons and Hainaut (c. 1018 – 15 March 1086). She was also Countess and Regent of Flanders.

Life
Richilde's parentage is unknown, but she was born c. 1018. She was married firstly to Herman of Mons, Count of Hainaut c. 1040. After the death of Herman, Richilde married Baldwin, eldest son of Baldwin V of Flanders. Her husband Baldwin became count of Flanders (as Baldwin VI) in 1067, and ruled both Hainaut and Flanders until his death on July 17, 1070. Before his death, Baldwin VI left Flanders to their eldest son, Arnulf III, and Hainaut to their younger son, Baldwin II, with the provision that if either son preceded the other in death, he would inherit the other's county as well. Baldwin VI also obtained assurances from his brother Robert who gave his oath of homage and promised to protect his nephew. After Baldwin VI's death their son Arnulf III became Count of Flanders, but as he was a minor, Richilde served as Regent of Flanders.

Almost immediately Arnulf's uncle, Robert the Frisian, broke his oath to his brother Baldwin VI and disputed Arnulf's right to Flanders. Despite help from King Philip I of France, her forces were defeated at the Battle of Cassel. Richilde herself was captured and released, Arnulf was killed in the battle, and King Philip later recognized Robert as Count of Flanders.

Richilde and her younger son, Baldwin II, retained Hainaut, but made subsequent unsuccessful attempts to recover Flanders. Richilde built the castle at Beaumont along with a chapel there dedicated to St. Venantius. She, along with her son Baldwin, founded the monastery of Saint-Denis-en-Broqueroie. At the end of her regency she retired to the Abbey of Messines. Richilde died on 15 March 1086.

Family
Richilde married Herman of Mons, count of Hainaut ( They had two children:
 * Roger (? – 1093) who was apparently lame, became Bishop of Châlons-sur-Marne.
 * Daughter, whose name is unknown.

Richilde secondly married Baldwin VI, Count of Flanders. They were the parents of:
 * Arnulf III, Count of Flanders (c. 1055 – 22 February 1071).
 * Baldwin II, Count of Hainaut (c. 1056 – 1098).

In 1071 Richilde married thirdly William Fitzosbern, 1st Earl of Hereford (c. 1025 – 1071).