Maude the Good

(Edith of Scotland)

1080–1118

Edith-Mathilda.
'TIS A FALS AND LYING CHARGE.
Edith-Matilda of Scotland, also known as Maude the Good, was the Queen of Henry I of England. She was descended from Malcolm Canmore, King of Scots, and Saint Margaret of Scotland, who was herself a Saxon princess. Matilda was therefore, considered a Saxon Queen and greatly enhanced the popularity of her Norman husband. In addition, she was like her mother, a sincere and pious Christian who donated a great deal of money and effort to the church, and had a very positive influence on her husband's government. She was apparently highly regarded by her husband, yet he was far from faithful, and fathered over 20 children out of wedlock. Matilda produced two living heirs, a son and a daughter. The son however, perished in a boating accident, and the daughter was not able to defend her claim to the kingdom against her male cousin, Stephen of Blois. The crown did eventually pass to Mathilda's grandson, Henry Plantagenet.


Key events during the life of Edith-Matilda of Scotland:


Year
Event
1080
 Mathilda born to Malcolm Canmore and Saint Margaret of Scotland.
1086
 Sent to a convent to be educated.
1100
 Married Henry I, Norman king of England.
1102
 Bore a daughter Mathilda, and later a son William to Henry I.
1106
 Extended stay in Normandy with Henry I.
  Patron of the church, the arts, and literature. Protector of the poor.
1118
 Death of Mathilda

Other Resources


Story Links
Book Links
Edith of Scotland  in  Historic Girls  by  E. S. Brooks
Maude the Good  in  Great Englishwomen  by  M. B. Synge


Contemporary
Short Biography
Malcolm Canmore Long reigning King of Scotland, married St. Margaret, befriended Saxon exiles from Normans.
Margaret of Scotland Wife of Malcolm III of Scotland. Pius and noble Queen. Mother of Maude the Good.
Henry I Son of William the conqueror. Competent king who reigned for 35 years. Left throne to Matilda.
Matilda of England Daughter of Henry I. Fought her cousin Stephen for the throne. Her son Henry II won the crown.
William Rufus Son of William the Conqueror. A bad and brutal king. Killed in the New Forest.