Philip II, Duke of Brunswick-Grubenhagen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Philip II |
|
|---|---|
| Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg | |
| Prince of Grubenhagen | |
| Reign | 1595–1596 |
| Predecessor | Wolfgang |
| Successor | none |
| Born | 2 May 1533 |
| Died | 4 April 1596 (aged 62) |
| Burial | St. Giles Church in Osterode |
| Spouse | Clara of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel |
| House | House of Welf |
| Father | Philip I, Duke of Brunswick-Grubenhagen |
| Mother | Catherine of Mansfeld |
Philip II (born May 2, 1533 – died April 4, 1596) was a duke from a very old German family called the Welfs. He was the last ruler of a small area known as the Principality of Grubenhagen. He became the Duke of Grubenhagen in 1595. He ruled for less than a year until he passed away in 1596. When he died, his family's branch, the Grubenhagen Welfs, came to an end. After his death, another duke, Henry Julius, took over his land.
Contents
The Early Life of Duke Philip II
Philip II was one of many children born to Duke Philip I of Brunswick-Grubenhagen. His mother was Catherine of Mansfeld. Philip II was the youngest of nine brothers and sisters. Six of his siblings lived to be adults.
Becoming Duke of Grubenhagen
When Duke Philip I passed away in 1551, his oldest son, Ernest III, became the ruler. After Ernest died in 1567, his brother Wolfgang took over. Both Ernest and Wolfgang died without sons to inherit their title. So, when Wolfgang passed away in 1595, Philip II became the duke.
Philip's Marriage and Home
Duke Philip II married his cousin, Clara of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (1532–1595). Clara had been a leader at Gandersheim Abbey, a religious place. However, during a time of big changes called the Reformation, the abbey was no longer a religious institution. Clara then left her church role.
Philip and Clara made their home at a former monastery called Katlenburg. Philip II had this building rebuilt in a beautiful new style called Renaissance. This style was popular for its grand and artistic designs.
The End of a Family Line
In 1595, Duke Philip II moved his home from Katlenburg to Herzberg Castle. He ruled for less than one year. He died in 1596 without any sons to inherit his title. This meant that the Grubenhagen branch of the Welf family ended.
After his death, the Principality of Grubenhagen was taken over by his cousin, Henry Julius of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. However, another part of the Welf family, from Lüneburg, disagreed with this. They took the issue to a high court. After a long legal case, Henry Julius's son, Frederick Ulrich, had to give Grubenhagen to Duke Christian of Brunswick-Lüneburg in 1617.
Duke Philip II was buried next to his parents and brothers. Their final resting place is in the crypt of St. Giles Church in Osterode am Harz. His wife Clara had passed away in 1595, the year before him.
