Who Were the Counts of Flanders?

The Counts of Flanders were powerful medieval warriors who lived in what is today known as Belgium and northern France. They had a reputation for being fierce fighters, and when William the Conqueror captured England at the battle of Hastings in 1066, it  was with the aid of soldiers and knights from the Counts of Flanders that he was able to do so.  

Baldwin (called “Baldwin of the Iron Arm” for his fighting ability) was the first Count of Flanders. He faithfully defended the French king and his kingdom from Viking marauders more than 1,200 years ago.

But he got himself in trouble when he fell in love.

 A daring warrior who had long-served the king of France, Baldwin was smitten by, of all people, the king’s daughter, Judith, and the two fled to Flanders. Daughters were considered valuable “property” at the time, to be married off to form political alliances. What Baldwin had done made the French king furious beyond measure, and he ordered his subjects to arrest Baldwin.  Or do worse.

But Baldwin was powerful, and smart, and escaped.

Over time, the king of France came to see reason, and gave his blessing to the marriage; and Baldwin once again became a trusted knight.

The escutcheon of the Counts of Flanders—a single rampant lion on a bright yellow background —was used by the Counts of Flanders for hundreds of years, and today can most often be seen waving throughout Flanders (the northern part of Belgium) and at professional bicycle races throughout Europe.  A major race does not take place without the Lion of Flanders being seen.