Francis, Duke of Pomerania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Francis |
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| Duke of Pomerania-Barth | |||||
| Reign | 7 March 1606 – 27 November 1620 | ||||
| Predecessor | Bogislaw XIII | ||||
| Successor | Bogislaw XIV | ||||
| Duke of Pomerania-Stettin | |||||
| Reign | 3 February 1618 – 27 November 1620 | ||||
| Predecessor | Philip II | ||||
| Successor | Bogislaw XIV | ||||
| Born | 24 March 1577 Barth |
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| Died | 27 November 1620 (aged 43) Stettin |
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| Spouse | Sophie of Saxony | ||||
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| House | House of Griffin | ||||
| Father | Bogislaw XIII, Duke of Pomerania | ||||
| Mother | Clara of Brunswick-Lüneburg | ||||
Francis of Pomerania (born March 24, 1577, in Barth – died November 27, 1620, in Stettin (Szczecin)) was a powerful ruler. He was the Duke of Pomerania-Stettin. He also held the important religious title of Bishop of Cammin.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Francis was the son of Duke Bogislaw XIII and Clara of Brunswick-Lüneburg. His father made sure he received an excellent education. From a young age, Francis showed a strong interest in knighthood and military matters.
His uncle, John Frederick, encouraged him to join the church. In 1592, Francis became a Coadjutor (a helper who would later take over) for the Bishopric of Cammin. He even took part in a big church meeting in 1593.
Francis loved to travel and learn. In 1594, he visited Vienna and Hungary. He even joined a battle to capture the Esztergom fortress. In 1596, he traveled to Italy before returning home.
Becoming a Bishop
In 1602, Francis was chosen as the new Bishop of Cammin. His uncle Casimir had stepped down from the role. Francis made Köslin (now Koszalin) his home and made sure the castle there was well-prepared for him.
In 1604, the King of Sweden offered Francis a military command. This was during the Polish-Swedish war. However, Francis had to refuse because Pomerania was neutral in the conflict.
Travels and Leadership
Francis went on another long journey in 1607. He traveled through Prague, Switzerland, France, and even reached the border of Spain. On his way back, he visited England, Scotland, and the Netherlands.
To protect his bishopric, he created a small army in 1614. When his brother Philip II passed away in 1618 without children, Francis became the ruler of Pomerania-Stettin. His other brother, Ulrich, took over as Bishop of Cammin.
Francis wanted to make Pomerania stronger defensively. However, the local leaders, called the Estates, did not agree. They refused his requests to supply weapons for the Stettin arsenal. They also said no to his plans for a military inspection in November 1619.
A Popular Ruler
Unlike his brother Philip II, Francis was not very interested in science or history projects. He focused on governing and managing the city of Stettin. He carefully checked every document that needed his signature.
People liked Duke Francis very much. He was known for being kind and friendly when dealing with his subjects.
Family Life
In 1610, Duke Francis married Sophie of Saxony. She was the daughter of Elector Christian I of Saxony. They did not have any children.
Francis became ill suddenly and passed away in 1620.
Images for kids
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Duke Francis of Pomerania
