Balthild (c. 626 – 30 January 680) (/ˈbɔːltɪld/; Old English: Bealdhild, 'bold sword' or 'bold spear),[3] also spelled Bathilda, Bauthieult or Baudour, was queen consort of Neustria and Burgundy by marriage to Clovis II, the King of Neustria and Burgundy (639–658), and regent during the minority of her son, Chlothar III.

Balthild was sold into slavery as a young girl and served in the household of Erchinoald, the mayor of the palace of Neustria to Clovis.

She abolished the practice of trading Christian slaves and strove to free children who had been sold into slavery.

Sainted Women of the Dark Ages states that Balthild "was not the first Merovingian queen to begin her career in servitude".

[12] During the minority of Clotaire III, she had to deal with the attempted coup of Grimoald, the major domus of Austrasia, but she enjoyed the continued support of her former master Erchinoald, who became a sort of 'political mentor' to her throughout her marriage to Clovis II.

[13] According to some historians, Balthild's creation of and involvement with monasteries was perhaps an act to "balance or even neutralize the efforts of the aristocratic opposition".

According to the Vita Sancti Wilfrithi by Stephen of Ripon, Bathild was a ruthless ruler, in conflict with the bishops and perhaps responsible for several assassinations.

Her devotion to her faith and forsaking of luxury is evident from a cross embroidered on the apron in silk, rather than gold thread.

[17] A gold seal matrix, which was originally attached to a seal-ring, was uncovered in 1999 by a metal detector in a field in Postwick, 4.5 miles (7.2 km) east of Norwich, in Norfolk.

The silken details make up a large bejewelled Christian cross 17.5 centimetres (6.9 in) tall,[22] small human and bird portraits, as well as several patterned rings around the collar mimicking studded golden necklaces.

[21] These arguments have surfaced due to the dubious history of the dress and Balthild's body, which have been disturbed multiple times muddying attempts at accurate documentation.

The dress was said to be found once again hidden inside a sixteenth-century reliquary[21] in attempts of saving it from destruction during the French Revolution.