Henry I, Landgrave of Hesse facts for kids

Henry I of Hesse, also known as "the Child" (in German: Heinrich das Kind), was born on June 24, 1244. He became the very first Landgrave of Hesse. A Landgrave was a type of ruler, similar to a count or duke, who governed a specific territory. Henry was the son of Henry II, Duke of Brabant, and Sophie of Thuringia. He passed away on December 21, 1308, at the age of 64.

Becoming a Ruler

In 1247, a big problem arose when Heinrich Raspe, the Landgrave of Thuringia, died without any children. This caused a fight over who would rule the lands of Thuringia and Hesse.

A Family Dispute

Two main people claimed the land. One was Sophie, Henry's mother. She was Heinrich Raspe's niece and wanted the lands for her son, Henry. The other was Henry the Illustrious, who was Heinrich Raspe's nephew.

There was also a third group: the Archbishops of Mainz. They said that Hesse was their land and should be returned to them.

Winning Hesse

Sophie, with the help of the local nobles in Hesse, fought hard to keep the territory. In 1264, a deal was made. Henry the Illustrious received Thuringia. Sophie's son, Henry, would inherit Hesse.

The next year, the Archbishop of Mainz agreed to this plan. He accepted Henry as his "liege-man," meaning Henry would rule Hesse but still owe loyalty to the Archbishop.

Building the Landgraviate

At first, the Landgraviate of Hesse was a region between several towns like Wolfhagen, Kassel, and Marburg. Henry quickly added more land, including Gießen.

He made Kassel his main home in 1277. He also built Marburg Castle in Marburg, where his famous grandmother, Saint Elisabeth, was buried.

Battles and Power

Henry often had disagreements with the Archbishop of Mainz, especially over the town of Naumburg.

Fighting for Naumburg

In 1274, King Rudolf I of Habsburg declared Henry an outlaw because of the conflict with the Archbishop. However, Henry helped King Rudolf in a war against Otakar II of Bohemia. Henry even helped capture Vienna in 1276.

Because of this help, King Rudolf changed his mind and supported Henry again. In 1290, Henry defeated the Archbishop in the Battle of Fritzlar. This victory helped him keep his territory safe.

Henry also supported his nephew, John of Brabant, in a war over the Limburg succession. Even though Henry had his own claim to Brabant, he helped his family.

Becoming a Prince

On May 12, 1292, King Adolf of Nassau gave Henry a very important title: Reichsfürst, or "prince of the realm." This meant Hesse was now free from the Archbishop of Mainz's control.

This made Henry much more powerful. He also gained more towns like Eschwege and Witzenhausen through smart diplomacy.

Family Life and Succession

Henry was married twice and had many children.

First Marriage

In 1263, Henry married Adelheid of Brunswick. She was the daughter of Duke Otto of Brunswick. They had four daughters and two sons: Henry "the Younger" and Otto.

Second Marriage

After Adelheid passed away in 1274, Henry married Mechthild of Cleves in 1276. With Mechthild, he had another four daughters and two sons: John and Louis.

A Difficult Choice

Towards the end of his life, a big problem arose about who would rule after Henry. Mechthild wanted her sons to get a share of the land. However, Henry's older sons from his first marriage, Henry and Otto, believed only they should inherit everything.

This disagreement led to a civil war that lasted until Henry's death.

Henry's Legacy

Henry I died in Marburg during this conflict. He was buried in St. Elisabeth's Church in Marburg. This church became the burial place for many future Landgraves of Hesse.

After his death, the land was divided between his two sons. Otto received Upper Hesse, which was around Marburg. John received Lower Hesse, centered in Kassel. John's younger brother, Louis, became a bishop in 1310.

Children of Henry I

Henry I had many children from his two marriages.

Children with Adelheid of Brunswick (married 1263)

• Sophia (born 1264)
• Henry the Younger (born 1265)
• Matilda (born 1267)
• Adelheid (born 1268)
• Elisabeth (born 1269/70)
• Otto (born around 1272)

Children with Mechthild of Cleves (married 1276)

• John (died 1311)
• Elisabeth (born around 1276)
• Agnes (born around 1277)
• Louis (born 1282/83), who became a bishop
• Elisabeth (died after 1308)
• Katharina (died 1322)
• Jutta (died 1317)