Frederick I, Duke of Lorraine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Frederick I |
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+ SIGILLU[M] D[OMI]NI FRIDERICI D[UX] E[T] CO[MI]ITTIS
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| Duke of Lorraine | |
| Reign | 1205–1206 |
| Predecessor | Simon II |
| Successor | Frederick II |
| Born | c. 1143 |
| Died | 7 April 1206 |
| Spouse | Wierzchoslawa Ludmilla of Greater Poland |
| Issue | Frederick II, Duke of Lorraine |
| House | House of Lorraine |
| Father | Matthias I, Duke of Lorraine |
| Mother | Bertha of Swabia |
Frederick I (French: Ferry or Ferri) was an important ruler known as the Duke of Lorraine. He lived from about 1143 to 1206. He became duke in 1205 and ruled until his death a year later. Lorraine was a significant region in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Who Was Frederick I?
Frederick I was the second son of Matthias I, who was also a Duke of Lorraine. His mother was Bertha, also known as Judith. Bertha's father was Frederick II, Duke of Swabia.
Frederick's older brother, Simon II, was the duke before him. In 1176, Simon gave Frederick the area called the County of Bitche. Later, in 1179, they signed the Treaty of Ribemont. This agreement recognized Frederick as the ruler of the northern, German-speaking part of Lorraine.
Becoming Duke of Lorraine
Frederick's mother, Judith, wanted him to inherit all of his father's lands. However, this led to a three-year civil war (a war between groups within the same country). In the end, Frederick only secured Bitche and about half of the family's lands.
In 1205, his brother Simon II decided to retire to a monastery. Simon recognized Frederick's son, also named Frederick, as the next heir. However, Frederick I inherited the entire duchy himself. He ruled for only about a year before he passed away in 1206. After his death, the duchy went to his son.
Frederick I was married to Wierzchoslawa Ludmilla (1150–1223). She was the daughter of Mieszko III the Old, who was a duke of Greater Poland and a high duke of all Poland.
Frederick I's Children
Frederick I and Wierzchoslawa Ludmilla had several children:
- Frederick: He became the next Duke of Lorraine after his father.
- Thierry the Devil (le Diable): He was the lord of Autigny. He married Gertrude de Montmorency.
- Henry the Lombard: He was known for building the castle of Bayon.
- Philip (died 1243): He was the lord of Gerbéviller.
- Matthias (1170–1217): He became the bishop of Toul, an important church leader.
- Agatha (died 1242): She became the abbess of Remiremont, leading a community of nuns.
- Judith: She married Henry II, Count of Salm.
- Hediwge (died 1228): She married Henry I, Count of Zweibrücken.
- Cunigunda (died 1214): She married Waleran III of Limburg.
| Preceded by Simon II |
Duke of Lorraine 1205–1206 |
Succeeded by Frederick II |
