Waltrude was born in
Cousolre in northern France, to a wealthy and influential noble family. According to
Alban Butler, she was a sister to
Aldegonde, foundress of
Maubeuge Abbey. She was also cousin to
Saint Aye. Waltrude married
Vincent Madelgarius, the
Count of Hainault. They had four children: •
Aldetrude, abbess of Maubeuge Abbey •
Landry of Soignies,
Roman Catholic Bishop of Metz •
Madelberte of Maubeuge, succeeded Aldetrude as abbess of Mauberge •
Dentelin of Mons Around 642 Madelgarius founded the monastery known as
Hautmont Abbey. Waltrude persuaded
Saint Ghislain to establish an oratory at a place called Ursidongus, now known as
Saint-Ghislain. The city of
Mons grew around it. Around 656, after the death of the young Dentelin, the couple decided to separate and retire to separate monasteries. Madelgarius went to Hautmont, where he became a Benedictine monk.
Hydulphe of Hainault, husband of her cousin Aye, built her a cell and chapel near Ghislain's oratory. Her biography celebrates her for "the pious intention under vow to free captives. She arranged the ransom price [
pretium], weighed out the silver. ... When the captives had been bought back with the ransom money out of her own purse, at her command they returned to their families and homes." ==Veneration==