Henry III, Duke of Głogów facts for kids

Henry III of Głogów (Polish: Henryk; born between 1251 and 1260 – died 11 December 1310) was an important duke in medieval Poland. He ruled the Głogów region from 1274 until his death. He also governed parts of Greater Poland between 1306 and 1310.

Henry III was one of the sons of Konrad I, who was the Duke of Głogów. His mother was Salome, daughter of Duke Władysław of Greater Poland.

Life and Leadership

Early Years of a Young Duke

Not much is known about Henry III's very early life. In 1267, he took part in a special event. This was the ceremony to make his great-grandmother, Hedwig of Andechs, a saint. When his father passed away in 1274, Henry and his brothers were still young. His stepmother, Sophie of Landsberg, and a leader named Mikołaj became their guardians. They later sold some towns, like Bolesławiec and Nowogrodziec nad Kwisą.

Joining Forces with Henry IV Probus

Henry III first became involved in politics in 1277. He joined Przemysł II of Greater Poland in a military campaign. This was against his uncle, Bolesław II the Bald. Bolesław II had captured young Henry IV to gain land. Henry III and King Ottokar II formed an alliance to help the captured duke. However, their forces were defeated in the Battle of Stolec on 24 April 1277. This battle was led by Bolesław II's son, Henry V the Fat. This event likely started the long-lasting conflicts between Henry III and Henry V.

Changes After a Major Battle

One year later, Henry III fought in the big Battle on the Marchfeld on 26 August 1278. In this battle, King Ottokar II was defeated and died. In the same year, Henry III had to divide his lands with his brothers. He kept the main cities of Głogów, Bytom Odrzański, and Kożuchów. His brother Konrad II the Hunchback received Ścinawa. His other brother, Przemko, got Żagań and Nowogród Bobrzański. Soon after, Konrad II left to study, and Henry IV Probus took control of his lands. Henry IV wanted to show his power over all the other dukes in Silesia.

Henry IV's Influence Over Silesia

In 1281, Henry III, along with Henry V the Fat and Przemysł II, were invited to a meeting. This meeting was held by Henry IV Probus in Sądowel. Henry IV broke the rules of hospitality and captured the three dukes. He released them only after they agreed to accept his authority. Even though this agreement was forced, it lasted for several years. Henry III and his brother Przemko II became close allies of Henry IV. They supported him in his conflicts with the church, especially with Bishop Thomas II of Wrocław. Because of his loyalty, Henry III was banned from church services twice. His relationship with the church only improved after Henry IV's death.

Henry IV's Death and Succession Challenges

Henry III's strong support for Henry IV Probus was clear when he was knighted by Henry IV in Krosno Odrzańskie in 1288. Another sign of his loyalty was when his brother Przemko died in 1289. Henry IV took Przemko's Duchy of Ścinawa without any protest from Henry III. However, on 23 June 1290, Henry IV Probus died suddenly. This event greatly changed Henry III's future. In his will, Henry IV named Henry III as his main heir. But the nobles and townspeople of Wrocław had other plans. In July 1290, they forced Henry III to leave. They invited Duke Henry V the Fat of Legnica to rule instead. The reasons for this revolt are not fully known, but Henry III's strict leadership might have been a factor. Henry III refused to accept this and immediately declared war on Henry V.

Conflict with Henry V the Fat

After taking control of Wrocław, Henry V the Fat made Henry III give up his claims to many disputed territories. These included Chojnów, Bolesławiec, Gościszów, Nowogrodziec, Wińsko, Syców, Uraz, Trzebnica, Milicz, and Sądowel. However, Henry III managed to get Ścinawa back soon after.

Both dukes quickly looked for allies. Henry III made a treaty with the House of Wettin. He strengthened this alliance by marrying Matilda, the daughter of Duke Albert I, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg, in March 1291. Other allies included Otto IV of Brandenburg and Przemysł II of Greater Poland. Henry III and Przemysł II made an agreement. If Przemysł II died without a male heir, Henry III would inherit his lands. Meanwhile, Henry V the Fat gained the support of King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia.

Henry V's rule in Wrocław was very traditional. This caused problems with some nobles. One noble, Pakosław Zdzieszyca, was sentenced to death. Pakosław's son, Lutka, got his revenge. On 11 November 1293, he captured Henry V and handed him over to Henry III. Henry III kept Henry V in an iron cage for almost six months. Henry V was only freed after giving up many towns to Henry III. These included Namysłów, Bierutów, Oleśnica, Kluczbork, Byczyna, Wołczyn, Olesno, Chojnów, and Bolesławiec. This was almost one-third of Henry IV's former lands. Henry V also had to pay a large sum of 30,000 silver pieces. He also promised to help Henry III in all his wars for the next five years.

Succession in Greater Poland

On 8 February 1296, King Przemysł II of Poland and Duke of Greater Poland was murdered. The alliance between Greater Poland and Głogów had weakened around 1293. This happened when Przemysł II attacked Duke Władysław I the Elbow-high of Kuyavia. Because of this, the nobles of Greater Poland chose Władysław I to succeed Przemysł II in Poznań. This was despite Henry III's claims. Henry III believed the treaty he signed with Przemysł II in 1290 was still valid. He felt he was the rightful heir, as Przemysł II had only one daughter, Richeza.

Henry III and Władysław I quickly reached an agreement on 10 March 1296 in Krzywin. Henry III received all the lands south of the Obra River. Władysław I also named Henry III's eldest son, Henry IV the Faithful, as his heir for Poznań. If Władysław I died without a male heir, Henry IV would inherit all of Greater Poland.

Conflict with Bolko I the Strict

Henry III made big concessions to Władysław I in the 1296 treaty. This was because he had been defeated by Bolko I the Strict, Duke of Jawor. While Henry III was in Krzywin, Bolko I took Chojnów and Bolesławiec. King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia helped mediate a settlement in Zwanowice in March 1297. Henry III managed to make a truce with Bolko I. However, he had to give up the disputed districts.

Relations with King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia

By the late 1290s, Henry III improved his relationship with King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia. For example, he attended Wenceslaus II's coronation in Prague in 1297. However, his relationship with Władysław I the Elbow-high worsened, leading to war. In June 1298, in Kościan, Henry III and Władysław I signed a new treaty. Henry III promised to help Władysław I conquer all of Greater Poland and Gdańsk Pomerania. This would help Władysław I become king. The conflict between the dukes was used by King Wenceslaus II. In Klęka on 23 August 1299, an agreement was made. Henry III was forced to give up his claims to all of Greater Poland for good.

Disputes with Church and Family

Henry III quickly accepted the Bohemian King's involvement. This was because he was busy with disputes in his own duchy. He had problems with the Bishop of Wroclaw Jan Romka. The conflict started over the Duchy of Żagań. This land belonged to his younger brother, Konrad II the Hunchback. Henry III took Żagań in March 1299 when Konrad II was chosen as Patriarch of Aquileia. But when Konrad II returned, Henry III did not want to give the duchy back. Even after his nobles and the Church intervened, Henry III refused. Bishop Jan Romka banned him from church services and supported Konrad II. The conflict with the church was resolved on 24 April 1300. The Bishop won, and Żagań was returned to Konrad II.

Growing Power and a Royal Title

The Duke of Głogów still wanted to claim Greater Poland. This was clear in 1301 when he took a new title. He called himself "Heir of the Polish Kingdom, Duke of Silesia, Lord of Głogów and Poznań." This soon led to conflict with King Wenceslaus II, who was now also King of Poland. The danger for Henry III grew in 1301. The Bohemian King took over the care of Henry V the Fat's children. This happened after their uncle, Bolko I the Strict, died in 1301. Despite the tense situation, war never broke out. Wenceslaus II was busy trying to get the Hungarian crown for his son. The death of Wenceslaus II in 1305 and his son Wenceslaus III in 1306 helped Henry III. His brother Konrad II also died on 11 October 1304. This allowed Henry III to take over Żagań without problems. He then reunited the entire Duchy of Głogów under his rule.

Gaining Greater Poland Lands

In the spring of 1306, Henry III moved into the border areas of Greater Poland and Kuyavia, including Konin. He also advanced into Gdańsk Pomerania. This forced Władysław I the Elbow-high to retreat. Kalisz resisted Henry III's claims. But he managed to take it in 1307 from Duke Bolesław III the Generous. Bolesław III was the eldest son of Henry V the Fat. He also claimed the lands of Wenceslaus through his wife, Margareta. Eventually, Henry III took control of all Greater Poland. Soon, Henry III and the new King of Bohemia, Henry of Carinthia, formed an alliance against Bolesław III's plans.

Internal Policies and Achievements

Inside his duchy, Henry III managed to keep his lands peaceful despite his many wars. As a result, the economy improved. This increased the prestige and wealth of Głogów. Henry III also made changes to the administration and money system. These changes helped both the townspeople and his own court. He also founded more than a dozen new towns. These included Góra, Wąsosz, Polkowice, Twardogóra, Sulechów, Zielona Góra, Lubin, Przemęt, and Kościan.

Henry III was very generous to the Church. During his rule, many monasteries and churches were built. He also supported many artists. This can be seen in the beautiful tombstones built for Henry IV Probus, Bolesław I the Tall, his brothers, and parents. These are in the Głogów Kolegiata and Poznań Cathedral.

Death and What Happened Next

Henry III died on 11 December 1310. He was buried in the Cistercian Church of Lubiąż. His five sons — Henry IV, Konrad I, Jan, Boleslaw, and Przemko II — soon divided their father's lands. This led to the decline of the Duchy of Głogów. This division also worried the local nobles in Greater Poland. They feared losing their positions. In the end, Władysław I the Elbow-high was able to conquer all of Greater Poland in 1314.

Family and Children

In March 1291, Henry III married Matilda (born 1276 – died 26 April 1318). She was the daughter of Albert I, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg. They had nine children:

• Henry IV the Faithful (born 1291-93 – died 22 January 1342).
• Konrad I (born around 1292-94 – died 22 December 1366).
• Bolesław (born around 1295 – died January–March 1321).
• Agnes (born 1293-96 – died 25 December 1361). She married Otto III, Duke of Bavaria in 1309. Later, she married Alram, Count of Hals in 1329.
• Salome (born around 1297 – died before 9 December 1309).
• Jan (born around 1296-1300 – died between 23 April 1361 and 19 May 1365).
• Katharina (born around 1300-05 – died between 5 December 1323 and 1326). She married John V, Margrave of Brandenburg-Salzwedel before 1317. Later, she married John III, Count of Holstein-Plön by September 1317.
• Przemko II (born 1300-08 – died 11 January 1331).
• Hedwig (born around 1308 – died before December 1309).
• Beatrice (born 1290 - died 24 March 1322). She married Ludwig IV, Duke of Bavaria in 1309.

In his will, Henry III left Głogów to his wife, Matilda. She ruled it until her own death.