Dirk V, Count of Holland facts for kids

Seal of Dirk V

Dirk V (born in 1052, died June 17, 1091) was a powerful ruler known as the Count of Holland. At that time, his land was often called Frisia. He became count in 1061 and ruled until 1091.

Dirk V: A Young Count's Story

Dirk V became Count of Holland when he was just a boy. His father, Floris I, had passed away. Because Dirk was so young, his mother, Gertrude of Saxony, looked after the county for him. This is called a guardianship.

Losing Land and Finding Help

While Dirk was still young, William I, the Bishop of Utrecht, saw a chance to take some land. He claimed parts of Holland belonged to him. The emperor, Henry IV, agreed with Bishop William. This meant Dirk only kept the lands west of the Vlie river and around the mouths of the Rhine river.

Dirk and his mother, Gertrude, had to leave their home. They moved to the islands of Frisia (now called Zeeland). Bishop William then took control of the lands he had claimed.

A New Family and a Strong Alliance

In 1063, Gertrude, Dirk's mother, married Robert of Flanders. Robert was a powerful leader, also known as Robert the Frisian. This marriage was very important for Dirk. Robert became Dirk's stepfather and also his new guardian.

Robert gave Dirk some land in Flanders as a special gift. This land included islands west of the Frisian Scheldt river. Robert also gained control of the islands east of the Scheldt. He even tried to conquer Kennemerland, a region in North Holland, but he couldn't hold it for long.

With Robert's help, Dirk now had a strong ally. Robert ruled over all of Frisia, both for himself and for Dirk.

Fighting for His Rights

A big conflict started in 1075. The Pope had removed the emperor from the church. Bishop William of Utrecht supported the emperor, but Dirk V supported the Pope. Dirk also supported Rudolf, who was trying to become the new emperor.

While Robert was busy with a war in Flanders, Dirk saw an opportunity. He wanted to get back the lands that Bishop William had taken. The local people also rose up against Bishop William's rule.

However, an army led by Godfrey IV, a duke from Lower Lorraine, put down the revolt. This happened because the emperor ordered it. In 1076, Duke Godfrey visited the Frisian borderland. Sadly, he was murdered by revolutionaries in Delft on February 26, 1076. Bishop William of Utrecht also died soon after, on April 17, 1076.

Victory and Legacy

Dirk V was now old enough to manage his own affairs. He quickly took advantage of the situation. With the help of his stepfather, Robert, Dirk gathered an army. They surrounded Conrad of Utrecht, Bishop William's replacement, in his castle at Ysselmonde. Dirk's forces captured Bishop Conrad.

To gain his freedom, Bishop Conrad had to give up all claims to the lands he had taken from Dirk. This was a big victory for Dirk V!

Dirk V passed away in 1091. His son, Floris II, became the next Count of Holland. Dirk V was buried in the Egmond Abbey.

See also

In Spanish: Teodorico V de Holanda para niños