Adolph I, Duke of Cleves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Adolph I, Duke of Cleves |
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| Adolph I, Duke of Cleves | |
| Spouse(s) | Agnes of the Palatinate Marie of Burgundy |
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| Margaret, Duchess of Bavaria Catherine, Duchess of Guelders John I, Duke of Cleves Elisabeth, Countess of Schwarzburg-Blankenburg Agnes, Queen of Navarre Helen, Duchess of Brunswick-Lüneburg Adolph, Lord of Ravenstein Marie, Duchess of Orléans |
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| Noble family | La Marck |
| Father | Adolph III, Count of Mark |
| Mother | Margaret of Jülich |
| Born | 2 August 1373 |
| Died | 23 September 1448 (aged 75) Carthusian monastery at Wesel |
Adolph I of Cleves (born August 2, 1373 – died September 23, 1448) was an important ruler in what is now Germany. He was the second Count of Cleves and later became its first Duke. He was also the fourth Count of Mark. He helped expand his family's power and lands during his time.
Contents
Adolph I: A Powerful Ruler
Early Life and Becoming Count
Adolph was the son of Adolph III, Count of Mark and Margaret of Jülich. He had a sister named Margaret.
After his father passed away in 1394, Adolph became the Count of Cleves. This meant he was the main ruler of the Cleves region.
In 1397, he won an important battle called the Battle of Kleverhamm. He defeated his uncle, William VII of Jülich, 1st Duke of Berg. This victory made Adolph the Lord of Ravenstein.
Expanding His Lands and Becoming a Duke
Adolph's brother, Dietrich IX, Count of Mark, died in battle in 1398. Because of this, Adolph also became the Count of Mark. This gave him control over even more land.
To make his family's position stronger, Adolph married Marie of Burgundy. She was the daughter of a very powerful duke. This marriage helped Cleves become more important.
In 1417, the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund recognized Cleves as a Duchy. This was a big deal! It meant Cleves was now a more important territory, and Adolph became its first Duke.
Family Conflicts
From 1409 onwards, Adolph faced challenges from his younger brother, Gerhard. Gerhard believed he should be the Count of Mark. This disagreement led to a fight between the brothers in 1423. Gerhard even teamed up with the Archbishop of Cologne against Adolph.
Eventually, the brothers signed a peace agreement in 1430. They confirmed this agreement in 1437. As a result, Gerhard ruled most of the Mark region. However, he was not allowed to call himself "Count of Mark." Instead, he had to use the title "Count zur Mark."
It was decided that after Gerhard died, his nephew John would take over. John was Adolph's son. When Gerhard passed away in 1461, the County of Mark and the Duchy of Cleves were joined together again.
Marriages and Children
Adolph I was married twice.
Shortly before the year 1400, he married Agnes. She was the daughter of Rupert of Germany. Sadly, Agnes died a year later, and they did not have any children.
In 1406, Adolph married Marie of Burgundy. She was the daughter of John the Fearless. Adolph and Marie had many children:
- Margarethe (1416–1444)
- Catherine (1417–1479)
- John (1419–1481), who became the next Duke of Cleves
- Elisabeth (1420–1488)
- Agnes (1422–1446)
- Helen (1423–1471)
- Adolph (1425–1492)
- Mary (1426–1487), who became the mother of Louis XII, a future King of France
Titles and Succession
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Adolph I, Duke of Cleves
House of La Marck
Born: 2 August 1373 Died: 23 September 1448 |
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| Preceded by Dietrich IX, Count of Mark |
Count of Mark 1398–1448/ de facto 1430 |
Succeeded by Gerhard, Count of Mark |
| Preceded by Adolf III, Count of Cleves |
Count of Cleves 1394–1417 |
Raised to Duchy |
| New creation | Duke of Cleves 1417–1448 |
Succeeded by John I, Duke of Cleves |
Images for kids
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Coat-of-arms of the House of La Marck
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Coat-of-arms of the County of Cleves
