Gertrude of Northeim facts for kids

Gertrude of Northeim (also known as Gertrude of Nordheim) was an important German noblewoman who lived around the 1100s. Born about 1090, she became a powerful figure in her time. Gertrude was not just a noble; she also served as a regent, which means she ruled on behalf of her young children until they were old enough. She was known for her intelligence and strength in a world often ruled by men.

Gertrude's Early Life and Family

Gertrude was born around the year 1090. Her father was Henry, Margrave of Frisia, a powerful ruler in a region called Frisia. Her mother was Gertrude of Brunswick.

Gertrude had two full siblings. Her brother, Otto III of Northeim, took over their father's lands. Her sister, Richenza, later married Emperor Lothair II, who became a very important ruler. Gertrude also had a half-brother named Henry II, Margrave of Meissen from her mother's second marriage.

Gertrude's First Marriage and Regency

Gertrude's first husband was Siegfried of Ballenstedt. Through this marriage, Gertrude gained important titles. She became a countess palatine of the Rhineland. A count palatine was a special count who had royal powers in their region. She also became the countess of Weimar-Orlamünde.

Gertrude and Siegfried had three children together:

• Siegfried II of Weimar-Orlamünde (born 1107, died 1124)
• Adela of Weimar-Orlamünde, who married Conrad I of Peilstein
• William of Weimar-Orlamünde (born 1112, died 1140)

When her husband Siegfried died in 1113, their son Siegfried II was only five years old. He inherited his father's title as count of Weimar-Orlamünde. Because Siegfried II was too young to rule, Gertrude stepped in as his regent. This meant she governed the county until her son was old enough to take over.

Gertrude's Second Marriage and Later Rule

Around 1115, Gertrude married again. Her second husband was Otto I, Count of Salm. Otto was the son of Hermann of Salm, who was known as an anti-king because he tried to become king against the wishes of the main ruler.

Gertrude married Otto partly to get a strong male protector for her young sons, Siegfried II and William. Otto likely became the regent of Weimar-Orlamünde alongside Gertrude while her sons were still young.

Gertrude and Otto had several children, including:

• Otto II (born around 1115, died 1148 or 1149). He fought to get back the County Palatine of the Rhine but was captured and later killed.
• Sophia, who married Dirk VI, Count of Holland.
• Beatrix, who married Wilbrand I, Count of Loccum-Hallermund.

After her son Otto II died in 1148 and her husband Otto I died in 1150, Gertrude continued to show her strength. She ruled the county of Bentheim herself. She did this as a regent for her eldest daughter, Sophia, making sure Sophia kept control of her lands in Rheineck. Gertrude lived until at least 1154, showing her lasting influence as a powerful noblewoman and ruler.