After the death of William II (Rufus) in 1100, his younger brother Henry I ascended the English throne. In a strategic move to secure his rule and appease the Anglo-Saxon population still resentful of Norman dominance, Henry proposed marriage to Edith. Her Anglo-Saxon blood made her an appealing consort, but the question arose whether she had become a nun, which would render her ineligible for marriage.

A council of bishops determined that although Edith had worn a nun’s veil for protection during her youth, she had not taken holy orders. She was thus declared free to marry. Upon her marriage to Henry in November 1100, she changed her name to Matilda, likely in honor of Henry’s mother, Matilda of Flanders, aligning her identity more closely with the Norman royal tradition.

Queenship and Cultural Influence

Matilda’s queenship marked a new era of political symbolism. She represented the fusion of the old Anglo-Saxon lineage with the newer Norman rule. As queen, Matilda actively participated in royal administration and acted as regent during Henry’s absences in Normandy. Contemporary chroniclers noted her intelligence, piety, and involvement in ecclesiastical patronage.

She was a generous benefactor to the Church, founding or supporting several religious institutions, including Reading Abbey and Westminster Abbey. She was particularly devoted to the memory of her mother, Saint Margaret, and promoted her canonization, which was achieved in 1250. Matilda’s religious devotion and royal heritage made her a respected figure both in England and in her native Scotland. shutdown123