Sophie of Pomerania, Duchess of Pomerania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sophia of Pomerania-Stolp
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| Born | 1435 |
| Died | 24 August 1497 (aged 61–62) |
| Noble family | House of Griffin |
| Spouse(s) | Eric II, Duke of Pomerania |
| Father | Bogislaw IX, Duke of Pomerania |
| Mother | Maria of Masovia |
Sophia of Pomerania-Stolp (born 1435, died August 24, 1497) was a Duchess by birth. She was married to Eric II, Duke of Pomerania. Her life involved important family connections and a large fortune.
Early Life and Family
Sophia was the daughter of Bogislaw IX, Duke of Pomerania and Maria of Masovia. Her father was a Duke of Pomerania. In 1446, her father passed away. His cousin, Eric of Pomerania, took over as Duke. Eric of Pomerania had once been a king in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Sophia became the person who would inherit Eric of Pomerania's personal wealth.
Marriage and Wealth
In 1451, Sophia married Eric of Pomerania-Wolgast. This marriage made her husband the heir to Eric of Pomerania's lands. Sophia, however, remained the heir to Eric of Pomerania's large personal fortune.
When Eric of Pomerania died in 1459, Sophia's husband became the ruler of all Pomerania. This happened because he inherited the areas of Pomerania-Stolp and Pomerania-Rügenwalde through his marriage to Sophia. Sophia herself gained full control of the huge fortune. This wealth came from Eric of Pomerania's time as a king in Scandinavia. It also included riches he had gained from other ventures.
Life as a Duchess
Sophia's husband, Eric, did not want her to have any political power. He had gained control of the lands because of her. Sophia felt she deserved to have a say in how these lands were run. Because of this disagreement, Sophia and Eric decided to live separately.
Sophia moved to Rügenwalde Castle with her children. Later, in 1470, she refused to help pay for her husband's war against Brandenburg. This showed her independence. Sophia became a widow in 1474 when her husband passed away.
Children of Sophia
Sophia and Eric II had several children. They grew up to have their own important roles and families.
- Bogislaw X (1454–1523)
- Casimir (around 1455–1474)
- Wartislaw (born after 1465–1475)
- Barnim (born after 1465–1474)
- Elisabeth (died 1516), who became a leader at Verchen Nunnery
- Sophie (1460–1504), who married Duke Magnus II of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and -Güstrow (1441–1503)
- Margaret (died 1526), who married Duke Balthasar of Mecklenburg (1451–1507)
- Catherine (around 1465–1526), who married Duke Henry IV of Brunswick and Lunenburg (1463–1514)
- Mary (died 1512), who became an abbess at Wollin Nunnery
