Hans Meinhard von Schönberg facts for kids
Count Hans Meinhard von Schönberg (German: Graf Hans Meinhard von Schönberg auf Wesel) (28 August 1582 – 3 August 1616) was a German nobleman and soldier. He served as hofmeister (a high-ranking official in a royal court) for Frederick V, Elector Palatine.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Family
Hans Meinhard von Schönberg was born in Bacharach on August 28, 1582. His father, Count Meinhard von Schönberg, was a military leader called a Feldmarschall. He also served as an Amtmann (a local administrator) in Bacharach. His mother was Dorothea Riedesel von Bellersheim.
Starting His Public Service
Hans Meinhard von Schönberg began his public career in 1609. At that time, Frederick IV, Elector Palatine sent him as an Ambassador to Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor. This was an important time because Protestant German nobles were becoming unhappy with the Emperor's court.
Schönberg did well in his role. Soon after, Frederick sent him to the Dutch Republic. His mission was to convince the States-General of the Netherlands to get involved in the War of the Jülich succession. This war was a dispute over who would rule the United Duchies of Jülich-Cleves-Berg. After this, he also talked with the French ambassador, Jacques Bongars, in Düsseldorf.
Military and Diplomatic Roles
In 1610, Schönberg was put in charge of a regiment (a large group) of Dutch soldiers. He was also made Governor of Düsseldorf. When fighting began in the Jülich succession war, he took part in the siege of Jülich. This was an effort to take back the fort at Jülich from the Emperor's forces.
On February 22, 1611, Schönberg started working for John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg. He was given command of the artillery corps (a group of soldiers who operate cannons) in the Rhineland. Their main base was at Wesel. He also continued his diplomatic work, traveling to The Hague for the Protestant Union.
Serving Frederick V
Later in 1611, Schönberg went back to the Electorate of the Palatinate. There, he helped build fortresses in Mannheim. On November 1, 1611, he was appointed hofmeister to Frederick V, Elector Palatine. He continued his diplomatic missions for the Protestant Union, visiting The Hague and Brussels.
In 1612, he traveled to England. His important task was to help arrange the marriage of Elizabeth Stuart to Frederick. Elizabeth was the daughter of James I of England.
During this trip, Schönberg met Anna Sutton-Dudley. She was the daughter of Edward Sutton, 5th Baron Dudley. Hans and Anna were married in London on March 22, 1615. Their son, Frederick, was born in Heidelberg in December 1615. Sadly, Anna died shortly after Frederick's birth.
Schönberg died in Heidelberg on August 3, 1616.
