Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Prince George Louis of Hessen-Darmstadt
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Source: Stadtarchiv Darmstadt)
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| Born | 1669 Darmstadt, Hesse, Holy Roman Empire |
| Died | 13 September 1705 (aged 36) Barcelona, Spain |
| Allegiance | Austria, England |
Prince George Louis of Hessen-Darmstadt (born 1669 – died September 13, 1705) was an important Field Marshal in the Austrian army. He is famous for his time in Habsburg Spain. He served as the Viceroy of Catalonia from 1698 to 1701. He also led the Austrian army during the War of the Spanish Succession from 1701 to 1705. In 1704, he became the governor of Gibraltar. Sadly, he was killed during the Siege of Barcelona the next year. In Spain, people knew him as Jorge de Darmstadt. In Catalan, he was called Jordi Darmstadt.
Early Life and Choices
George Louis of Hesse-Darmstadt was born in Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany, in 1669. He was the third son of Louis VI, Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt. After his father died early, his mother, Elisabeth Dorothea of Sachsen-Gotha, raised him. In 1686, he went on a "Grand Tour" through France and Switzerland. This was a common trip for young noblemen.
Because he was a younger son, he had little chance of becoming the ruler (Landgrave). So, he decided to have a career in the military instead.
Military Adventures
George Louis first fought against the Turks alongside Prince Eugene of Savoy. He was at the Battle of Mohacs in 1687. Later, he joined William III of Orange in a military campaign in Ireland. When he returned, he changed his religion to Catholicism. In 1692, at just 23 years old, he became a Generalfeldwachtmeister (which is like a major-general) in the Austrian Army.
He then fought against the French in the Nine Years' War. In 1695, the Emperor sent him to Spain. He led 2,000 German soldiers to help defend Catalonia. They faced strong French army and navy forces.
In 1697, he defended Barcelona when it was under attack. Vendôme attacked by land, and Admiral D’Estrées attacked by sea. The city finally gave up after a 52-day siege. This surrender was ordered from Madrid, even though Prince George Louis did not want to give up.
Life After the War
After the war, Spain honored him. In 1697, he became a knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. When the French left, he became the Viceroy of Catalonia. He was known in Spanish records as Jorge de Darmstadt. He learned some Catalan and started some changes. This made him quite popular in the region. In 1699, he was made General der Kavallerie (General of Cavalry).
But in 1700, King Carlos II died. The French king, Philip V, took over the throne. Prince George Louis was replaced in 1701 by a new Viceroy who supported the French. He then went back to Austria. There, Emperor Leopold asked him to make an alliance. This alliance with England and Portugal would support Leopold's son, Archduke Charles, who also wanted to be king of Spain.
When the War of the Spanish Succession began, he led the Austrian troops in Spain. These troops supported Archduke Charles. In January 1704, Admiral Sir George Rooke sailed with Prince George from Lisbon to Barcelona. They hoped Barcelona would support Archduke Charles. But this did not happen. The fleet went back to Lisbon after a small fight with French ships.
On July 31, Prince George suggested attacking Gibraltar. Under his command, 1,800 Dutch and English Marines landed near Gibraltar. They took the fortress with Sir George Rooke. They then defended it well against a Spanish-French attack. They held off many attacks. After more Allied soldiers and supplies arrived, Prince George could attack. The siege ended in April 1705. He left Gibraltar and took charge of capturing Barcelona. He was killed on September 13, 1705, while attacking the fortress of Montjuich.
His body was prepared and buried in the Església dels Josepets de Gràcia. In 1711, his heart was sent to Darmstadt. It is still in the Stadtkirche today. Catalans call him Príncep Jordi (Prince George). A street in Barcelona is named after him: Carrer del Príncep Jordi.
See also
In Spanish: Jorge de Hesse-Darmstadt para niños
- Zemlya Georga
