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. Matilda was of illustrious descent: her father, Baldwin V, was count of Flanders, and her mother Adela, was the daughter of the king of France. On one side or another, Matilda was related to most of the royal families of Europe. She found the Abbaye-aux-Dames, paid to build the ship, the Mora, and, most importantly, helped rule a powerful kingdom. She bore William eleven children, including two kings, William II and Henry I. Any woman who is given the task of becoming queen knows that she will have many responsibilities, but not many could do what Matilda of Flanders did. Because of her father's wealth and high rank, Matilda was highly sought after as a bride. She was well educated and was said to be very beautiful. Modern research shows that he never exceeded 1.5 meters in height. Matilda attracted 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 fascinated by her that he would do anything to get her. According to legend, when William's representative asked Matilda if she wanted to marry the Duke of Normandy, she refused, saying that she was of too noble ancestry 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 Matilda on her way to church, dragged her off her horse by her long braids, beat her, and left. She then shockingly agreed to marry him. The Count of FL... halfway through the paper... I am immersed in a deep depression. He became tyrannical and stopped hunting, which was his favorite sport. People blamed the loss of his beloved wife. After four years, in 1087, William died and was buried in the Abbey of St. Stephen. Matilda of Flanders was the most influential woman of her time. She was not only a duchess but also a queen. She was talented at event planning, 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 was during the Norman Conquest and bore him ten children, one of whom her understanding with her 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.