Matilda (Maud) wife of Henry I

Matilda or Maud (also called Edith) was the great-great niece of Edward the Confessor. She was born in 1080, the daughter of Malcolm III, King of Scots, and his wife St Margaret (granddaughter of Edmund 'Ironside', the Confessor's half-brother). She was a pious and charitable lady and was also known for her literary and musical interests.

Marriage

Her marriage to Henry I in 1100 united the Saxon and Norman lines. This took place in Westminster Abbey (the Norman church) on 11th November.

Coronation

She was crowned on the same day as her wedding, by Archbishop Anselm.

Burial

She died on 1st May 1118 and was buried on the right hand side of the original Shrine of St Edward the Confessor. There is no memorial for her.

Further reading

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (under Matilda), 2004.