Gertrude of Brunswick facts for kids

Gertrude of Brunswick (born around 1060 – died December 9, 1117) was an important noblewoman in medieval Germany. She held several titles through her marriages. She was Countess of Katlenburg, Margravine of Frisia, and Margravine of Meissen.

Gertrude was also a powerful regent. This means she ruled for her young sons when they were too young to take charge themselves. She was a regent for the County of Katlenburg, the Margrave of Frisia, and the County of Northeim. She also played a key role in political challenges against the Holy Roman Emperors, Henry IV and his son Henry V.

Who Was Gertrude of Brunswick?

Gertrude was the only daughter of Margrave Egbert I of Meissen and Immilla of Turin. Her family, the Brunonids, was very important.

Her Royal Connections

Through her father, Gertrude was the great-granddaughter of Gisela of Swabia. Gisela later became a German queen and empress. This meant Gertrude was closely related to Emperors Henry III and Henry IV.

Her mother, Immilla, was the niece of Adelaide of Susa. This made Gertrude a first cousin to Bertha of Savoy. Bertha was also a German queen and empress. So, Gertrude had many powerful family connections.

Her First Marriage: Katlenburg

Gertrude first married Count Dietrich II of Katlenburg. He passed away in 1085. After her older brother, Egbert II, died without children in 1090, Gertrude inherited the family's main home in Brunswick.

When her husband Dietrich died, their son Dietrich III was still a child. Gertrude stepped in to rule as regent for him. She managed the County of Katlenburg until her son was old enough to rule himself.

Her Second Marriage: Frisia

Around 1086, Gertrude married again. Her second husband was Henry the Fat, a count from Northeim. Henry became the Margrave of Frisia in 1099.

Gertrude and Henry had a daughter named Richenza of Northeim. Richenza later married Lothar of Süpplingenburg. Lothar became the Duke of Saxony and later the Holy Roman Emperor. He also received the Brunonen family's home in Brunswick.

After Henry the Fat died in 1101, Gertrude became a regent once more. This time, she ruled for her second son, Count Otto III of Northeim.

Her Third Marriage: Meissen

Gertrude's third husband was Henry I of Eilenburg. He was a member of the Wettin family and had been the Margrave of Margraviate of Meissen since 1089.

Henry I died in 1103. Their son, Henry II, was likely born after his father's death. Gertrude again became a regent, ruling for her young son.

Gertrude was a strong leader. She was one of the main figures who challenged the power of Emperor Henry IV and his son Henry V. She worked hard to protect the interests and lands of her sons. Margrave Henry II later made sure the Wettin family kept strong control over Meissen.

Images for kids

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  This tomb is located at Brunswick Cathedral.