Arnold, Duke of Guelders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arnold, Duke of Guelders |
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| Arnold, Duke of Guelders | |
| Spouse(s) | Catherine of Cleves |
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| Noble family | Egmont |
| Father | John II, Count of Egmond |
| Mother | Maria van Arkel |
| Born | 10 July 1410 Egmond-Binnen |
| Died | 23 February 1473 (aged 62) Grave |
Arnold of Egmond (born July 14, 1410 – died February 23, 1473) was an important ruler in the Netherlands. He held the titles of Duke of Guelders and Count of Zutphen. These were powerful positions in his time.
Contents
Arnold's Early Life and Rise to Power
Arnold was born in a place called Egmond-Binnen in North Holland. His father was John II, Count of Egmond, and his mother was Maria van Arkel.
When Arnold was just 13 years old, in 1423, he became the Duke of Guelders. He took over from Duke Reinald IV. Arnold was Reinald's grand-nephew.
Even though another duke, the Duke of Berg, was also given the Duchy of Guelders by the Emperor Sigismund, Arnold managed to keep control. He did this by giving more rights to the local councils, called the Estates. He also had the support of a very powerful ruler, Duke Philip of Burgundy.
Arnold later married Catherine of Cleves. She was Philip of Burgundy's niece. This marriage helped Arnold keep his strong alliance with Philip.
Challenges and Conflicts
However, Arnold and Philip later had a disagreement. They argued over who should lead the important church area of Utrecht. Because of this fight, Philip of Burgundy changed sides. He joined forces with the four main towns of Guelders.
They supported Arnold's own son, Adolf, in trying to take power from his father. This was a very difficult time for Arnold. Arnold also had to give up his claim to the Duchy of Jülich after he lost a battle in 1444.
Later, in 1467, Charles the Bold became the new Duke of Burgundy. Charles did not agree with a deal that had been made, so he put Arnold's son, Adolf, in prison.
In 1471, Arnold made a controversial decision. He promised his duchy to Charles the Bold for a large sum of money, 300,000 Rhenish florins. This was against the wishes of the towns and the laws of the land.
Arnold passed away two years later, in 1473, in Grave. After his death, Charles the Bold took control of the Duchy of Guelders. This led to a long series of battles known as the Guelders Wars, which lasted for over 70 years.
Arnold's Family
Arnold married Catherine of Cleves (1417–1479) in Cleves on January 26, 1430. Catherine was the daughter of Adolph IV, Duke of Cleves and Marie of Burgundy.
They had several children:
- Mary (born around 1431 – died 1463). She married James II, who was the King of Scots.
- William (born around 1434). He passed away when he was young.
- Margaret (born around 1436 – died 1486 in Simmern). She married Frederick I, Count of Palatine-Simmern.
- Adolf (1438–1477). He was the son who tried to take power from his father.
- Catherine (1439–1496). She served as the Regent of Geldern from 1477 to 1481. She might have secretly married Louis de Bourbon, who was the Bishop of Liège.
Images for kids
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The coat of arms for the Egmond family.
