Baldwin VI, Count of Flanders

Baldwin was the eldest son of Baldwin V of Flanders and Adela of France, a daughter of king Robert II of France and Constance of Arles. Baldwin VI was also the brother of Matilda of Flanders, Queen consort of England and wife of William the Conqueror, King of England.

His father arranged his marriage, under threat of arms, to Richilde, the widow of Herman of Mons and heiress of Hainaut. As Hainaut was a part of the empire this enraged Henry III who had not been consulted causing him to wage war on the two Baldwins but was not successful. Between 1050 and 1054 Lambert II, Count of Lens fought alongside the Baldwins against Henry III finding that this alliance best protected his interests. Baldwin died 17 July 1070. His early death left Flanders and Hainaut in the hands of his young son Arnulf III, with Richilde as regent. The young Arnulf III was killed the next year at the Battle of Cassel (1071) and Baldwin's younger son eventually became Baldwin II of Hainaut. The countship was soon usurped by Baldwin's brother Robert the Frisian, who became count Robert I of Flanders.

Baldwin had constructed the church of St. Peter's of Hasnon, placed monks there and designated it as his burial place.

Baldwin and Richilde were the parents of:

• Arnulf III, Count of Flanders (c. 1055 – February 22, 1071).
• Baldwin II, Count of Hainaut (c. 1056–1098).