Baldwin's background is obscure. He first rose to prominence in 863 when he kidnapped and married Judith, daughter of Charles the Bald. Charles was not pleased, and he had Baldwin excommunicated. Baldwin responded by traveling to Rome to plead his case to Pope Nicholas I. When this was granted Charles relented and accepted the marriage. To give Baldwin proper status, Charles made him count of Ghent. In the following years Baldwin was also given the counties of Ternois and Flanders.
Baldwin was succeeded by his son by Judith, Baldwin II of Flanders.
| Count of Flanders |
Succeeded by: Baldwin II |