Philips of Marnix, Lord of Saint-Aldegonde facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philips of Marnix,
Lord of Saint-Aldegonde |
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Lord of Saint-Aldegonde, portrait by Jacques de Gheyn II
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| Lord Mayor of Antwerp | |
| In office 1583–1584 |
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| Lord of Saint-Aldegonde | |
| In office 1558–1598 |
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| Preceded by | Jacob of Marnix |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1540 Brussels, Brabant, Spain |
| Died | 15 December 1598 (aged 57–58) Leiden, Holland, The Netherlands |
| Spouses | Philippotte, Lady of Belle de Bailleul |
Philips of Marnix, Lord of Saint-Aldegonde (born 1540 – died 1598) was an important writer and statesman from the Netherlands. Many people believe he wrote the words to the Dutch national anthem, the Wilhelmus. He played a key role during a time when the Netherlands was fighting for its independence from Spain.
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Life and Career
Philips of Marnix was born in Brussels. He studied theology, which is the study of religious beliefs. He learned from famous thinkers like John Calvin in Geneva.
When he returned to the Habsburg Netherlands in 1560, he joined the Protestant Reformation. This was a big movement that changed how people practiced Christianity. He supported the "Beeldenstorm" in 1566. This was when people damaged religious images in churches.
When the Duke of Alba arrived in the Netherlands, Philips had to leave the country. The Duke was a Spanish leader who was very strict.
Working for William of Orange
In 1570, Philips started working for William, Prince of Orange. William was a leader in the fight for Dutch independence. Philips represented William at important meetings, like the first States-General in Dordrecht in 1572.
In 1573, Spanish soldiers captured Philips. But he was later set free in an exchange. He then traveled to Paris and London. He tried to get help from Queen Elizabeth I of England for the Dutch cause, but he was not successful.
In 1578, he spoke to German princes at the Diet of Worms. He asked them for help, but his plea did not work. He also tried to stop people in Ghent from treating Catholics badly.
Union of Utrecht and Antwerp
Philips helped create the Union of Utrecht. This was an important agreement that united several Dutch provinces. In 1583, he became the burgomaster (like a mayor) of Antwerp.
In 1585, after a long siege, he had to surrender Antwerp to the Spanish. Some people criticized him for this. After this, he mostly stopped working in public life.
He spent his later years in Leiden or on his estate. There, he worked on translating the Bible into Dutch. He passed away in Leiden in 1598.
Literary Works
Philips of Marnix is well-known for his writing. He was part of a time when Dutch literature grew a lot.
The Roman Bee-hive
One of his most famous works is The Roman Bee-hive (De roomsche byen-korf). He wrote this in 1569 while he was living away from home. It was a strong satire, which means it used humor and exaggeration to criticize the Roman Catholic Church. This book was so popular that it was translated into French, German, and English.
Poetry and the Wilhelmus
Philips also wrote poetry. He is known for his translation of the Psalms into verse. Many people believe he wrote the words for the Dutch national anthem, Wilhelmus van Nassouwe.
Bible Translation and Cryptography
He also worked on one of the earliest translations of the Bible into Dutch.
Philips was also interested in cryptography, which is the art of writing and solving secret codes. He is thought to be the first Dutch cryptographer. He helped Stadholder William the Silent by decoding secret messages from the Spanish.
His interest in codes might even be seen in the Wilhelmus. The first letters of each verse in the anthem spell out Willem van Nassov. This is an acrostic that spells out the name of William of Nassau, also known as William the Silent.
Images for kids
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Lord of Saint-Aldegonde, portrait by Jacques de Gheyn II
See also
- House of Coloma
- Marnixstraat
- Bornem Castle
- Saint Aldegonde
