Ida (1040–1113)

Biography

He had two sons and a son-in-law who have left their mark on history. His sons, Godfrey of Bouillon and Baldwin I took part in the glorious first crusade and were the first Frankish sovereigns of the kingdom of Jerusalem. His son-in-law was Henry IV, Emperor of Germany, whose name was linked to the “question of the Investitures.” When he was defeated, he had to beg forgiveness from Pope Gregory VII, but later he resumed hostilities, seized Rome and ordered the pope to die in exile. Ida was the daughter of Godfrey, Duke of Lower Lotharingia, and married Eustace II, Count of Boulogne at the age of seventeen. His immense possessions extended from Luxembourg to the Atlantic through the Ardennes and Pas de Calais. She was a very devout woman and received spiritual direction from Saint Anselm, who maintained a spiritual correspondence with her that has survived to us. Her favorite occupation was making beautiful liturgical ornaments. He prayed with such fervor that the chronicler William of Tire attributed much of the success of the first crusade to his prayers. He richly endowed the ancient abbeys of Saint Bertino, Bouillon and Affkughem. He also founded three others. She was buried in one of them, where she soon began to work miracles.