Frederick of Isenberg facts for kids
Count Frederick of Isenberg (born 1193 – died November 15, 1226) was a German noble. He was the younger son of Arnold of Altena. His family lived at Isenberg Castle near Hattingen, Germany.
A Big Disagreement
Frederick of Isenberg was a leader among nobles in Westphalia. They were against the powerful Archbishop of Cologne, Engelbert of Berg. The Archbishop was trying to gain more control.
In 1225, Count Frederick met his cousin, Archbishop Engelbert, at a meeting in Soest. They wanted to settle a disagreement about the management of Essen Abbey. Count Frederick was accused of using his power there for his own gain. They could not reach an agreement.
As they were returning from Soest to Cologne, Count Frederick arranged an ambush. This happened in a narrow pass near Gevelsberg on November 7, 1225. During this event, the Archbishop was killed.
Historians today believe it was not a planned murder. They think the Archbishop was killed during a struggle. The goal was likely to capture him. This was a way for the nobles to push for their political demands. This kind of action was sometimes part of how disagreements were handled in medieval times.
What Happened Next
After the Archbishop's death, Frederick of Isenberg was declared an outlaw. This meant he lost all legal protection. He was also excommunicated from the church. This meant he could not take part in church activities. He lost all his positions and wealth. In the winter of 1225 and 1226, his castle was attacked and destroyed. This was done by the new Archbishop of Cologne.
Frederick traveled to Rome with his brothers, Dietrich and Engelbert. They were also bishops and were involved in the Archbishop's death. They took documents to the Pope to try and lift the excommunication.
On his way back, Frederick was captured in Liège. He was then sold to the Cologne Cathedral chapter for a large sum of silver. On November 14, 1226, he was executed in Cologne. He was put on a wheel and died the next day. His body was displayed on a stone pillar.
His son, Count Dietrich von Altena-Isenberg, later fought to get back his family's lands. He founded new noble families. These included the Lords of Limburg Styrum and the Counts of Limburg Hohenlimburg.
Family Life
Around 1210, Frederick married Sophie of Limburg. She was the daughter of Waleran III, Duke of Limburg. They had several children:
- Dietrich I (born before 1215, died 1301). He was the last Count of Isenberg and Altena. He became the first Count of Limburg.
- Friedrich of Altena (born before 1220, died after 1243).
- Elisabeth of Altena (born before 1220, died after 1275). She married Dietrich II Count of Mors around 1234.
- Sophie of Altena (born before 1222, died after 1292). She married Heinrich III von Volmestein in 1237.
- Agnes of Altena (born before 1228, died after 1282). She married Burchard III von Broich in 1243. They had 13 children.
- A daughter who married John I, Count of Sponheim-Starkenburg.
