Ulrik of Denmark (1578–1624) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ulrik of Denmark |
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| Prince-Bishop of Schwerin | |
| Reign | 1603–1624 |
| Predecessor | Ulrich I |
| Successor | Ulrich III |
| Born | 30 December 1578 Koldinghus Palace, Kolding |
| Died | 27 March 1624 (aged 45) Rühn |
| Burial | Roskilde Cathedral, Roskilde |
| House | House of Oldenburg |
| Father | Frederick II of Denmark |
| Mother | Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow |
| Religion | Lutheran |
Prince Ulrik John of Denmark was born on December 30, 1578, at Koldinghus Palace in Kolding. He was a son of King Frederick II of Denmark and Queen Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow. As the second son, he held the title of Duke of Holstein and Schleswig. However, he did not share in the actual rule of these areas.
From 1602, he was the Bishop of Schleswig. This meant he received money from the church lands. The next year, he became the Administrator of the Prince-Bishopric of Schwerin. He held both these important positions until he passed away on March 27, 1624, in Rühn.
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Becoming a Prince-Bishop
As a young child, Ulrik lived with his grandparents, Ulrich, Duke of Mecklenburg and Duchess Elizabeth of Denmark, Duchess of Mecklenburg. In 1583, he returned to Denmark. He was taught by a famous teacher, M. Poul Pedersen, starting in 1584. Ulrik often stayed at Kalundborg castle or Sorø Abbey. He also traveled with his parents across Denmark.
Ulrik's father, King Frederick II, wanted to find a good position for his second son. He hoped Ulrik could become an administrator in a prince-bishopric. A prince-bishopric was a church territory ruled by a prince-bishop. These plans did not work out at first.
A Grandfather's Promise
Ulrik's mother, Queen Sophie, saw the Prince-Bishopric of Schwerin as a good place for her son. Her father, Duke Ulrich of Mecklenburg, was already its administrator. In 1590, Sophie met her father and he promised to help Ulrik take over the prince-bishopric.
To do this, Duke Ulrich would help the church leaders elect Ulrik as a coadjutor. A coadjutor was like an assistant who would later take over the main role. Sophie promised that Ulrik would not ask for money from the prince-bishopric while his grandfather was alive. She also promised that Ulrik would get a good education for this role.
The church leaders liked the idea of a Danish prince. They thought it would prevent the prince-bishopric from being taken over by a nearby duchy. So, they decided to elect Ulrik.
Ulrik's Studies and Agreement
In 1590, Ulrik began his studies abroad. He first visited his aunt and uncle in Brunswick. He studied at the Julius University of Helmstedt. Ulrik agreed to the conditions his mother had accepted. He wrote to his grandfather, saying he was happy about the election. He promised to continue his studies well.
The election agreement was carefully written. It was similar to agreements used in other prince-bishoprics. The main challenge was getting Ulrik, who was still young, to promise to sign the agreement when he became an adult.
In 1591, Ulrik's grandfather and mother promised the church leaders that Ulrik would sign the agreement when he turned 18 in 1596. They also promised to help the church get back some villages. The church leaders then officially named Ulrik as coadjutor.
Ulrik continued his studies at Rostock University in 1593. He even became Rector Magnificus, a high academic title. In 1595, he went on to the University of Leipzig.
Travels and Royal Connections
Ulrik was worried about his future. He tried to claim a role in the Duchies of Holstein and Schleswig. This caused some arguments with his older brother, King Christian IV of Denmark. But they made up in 1595. Ulrik attended Christian's coronation in 1596. He was made an equerry, a royal attendant.
In the following years, Ulrik traveled a lot. He went with Christian IV to the Holy Roman Empire. Then he traveled to France and England.
Visiting Scotland in 1598
In 1598, Ulrik traveled to Scotland. He went secretly to meet his sister, Anne, Queen of Scotland. He had spent a year in France before this trip. Ulrik arrived in Edinburgh on March 14, 1598. He went hunting with King James VI.
News of his visit and the parties spread. Ulrik visited many places in Scotland, including Perth and coastal towns like Dundee. He had dinners at royal palaces. He also visited Bass Rock, a famous fortress.
King James gave Ulrik gifts, including a jeweled hatband and gold. When Ulrik left Scotland on June 3, 1598, his ship was saluted with many cannon shots.
Time in London
After his sister Anne became Queen of England, Ulrik visited London in November 1604. He was welcomed and given attendants. He quickly caused some stir among diplomats. He criticized King James's peace treaty with Spain. Ulrik was only 24 and "without much knowledge of the world," as one ambassador noted.
One day, Ulrik visited his sister at Whitehall Palace. Two gentlemen with him started arguing and fighting. One was sent to prison.
Royal Weddings and Parties
Ulrik attended the wedding of Philip Herbert and Susan de Vere in December 1604. He walked the bride into the church with his nephew, Prince Henry. He accidentally sat in an ambassador's special seat.
A week later, Ulrik attended a big party where Prince Charles was made Duke of York. He also saw a special play called Masque of Blacknesse.
Interests in Theatre
The famous actor Richard Burbage put on a play for Ulrik and Queen Anne in January 1605. It was Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost.
Ulrik also tried to start his own theatre company. An actor named Martin Slater planned to turn an inn's stables into a new theatre. This was the Red Bull Theatre in London. However, the authorities stopped them. The theatre was finally built two years later for another company.
Christening and Honors
On May 5, 1605, Ulrik became a godfather to Anne's daughter, Princess Mary. On May 16, he was made a knight of the Order of the Garter at Windsor Castle. This was a very high honor.
It was said that King James gave him a yearly income and spent a lot of money on his visit. Ulrik left England on June 1. He had enjoyed himself but also upset some people, including his sister Anne. She reportedly did not speak to him for two months because he acted too freely in her royal rooms.
Becoming Administrator of Schwerin
Ulrik's mother and the church leaders kept working on the Schwerin deal. In February 1597, a detailed agreement was made. Ulrik, his brother Christian IV, and his grandfather Ulrich I all signed it.
This agreement said that Ulrik would:
- Get official approval from the Holy Roman Emperor.
- Not claim any special right to the position based on his family.
- Only be a coadjutor while his grandfather was alive.
- Make sure the prince-bishopric stayed independent from Denmark.
- Ensure good church services and schooling.
- Maintain justice and protect the prince-bishopric's rights.
- Consult with the church leaders on important matters.
- Protect the castles and fortresses.
Taking the Role
In 1599, Ulrik returned to Denmark. He continued to serve King Christian IV. In 1602, he escorted his sister Hedwig of Denmark to her wedding in Dresden.
King Christian IV gave Ulrik the lands of the Bishop of Schleswig for 15 years. Ulrik was not happy with this. He wanted more.
When his grandfather, Administrator Ulrich I, died on March 14, 1603, Ulrik was asked to take over. The church leaders officially asked him to become administrator. Ulrik arrived around April 6 for his grandfather's funeral.
After the people of the prince-bishopric showed him respect, Ulrik took the title Ulrich of God's grace, heir of Norway, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein, Stormarn and the Ditmarshes, Administrator of the Prince-Bishopric of Schwerin, Count of Oldenburg and Delmenhorst. He mostly lived in the prince-episcopal residence in Bützow.
Ulrik's rule was different from his grandfather's. His grandfather saw Schwerin as a small part of his own duchy. But Ulrik had no other territory. He worked hard to keep Schwerin independent. He set up his own court and government for the prince-bishopric.
In 1605, Ulrik joined Emperor Rudolph II's army to fight against the Ottoman Turks. He also visited his sister Anne in England again. In 1607, he was made a steward in Saxony.
In 1612, Ulrik joined Christian IV in the Danish fleet during the Kalmar War. He continued to manage the prince-bishopric, appointing new officials. He also set up a special court for Schwerin.
Personal Life and Death
It is not fully clear if Ulrik officially married Catherine Hahn-Hinrichshagen. She was the eldest daughter of Otto II Hahn-Hinrichshagen. Some historians believe they were married, while others are not sure.
Ulrik did give Catherine the manor and lands of Zibühl as her dower. This was a gift of property for her use. He bought it in 1621. After rebuilding the house, Catherine moved in.
On March 27, 1624, Ulrik suddenly died at his estate in Rühn. His mother, sisters, and nephews attended his funeral in Bützow. After his death, his mother and nephew challenged Catherine's right to the dower lands. They took her possessions.
Ulrik's body was later moved to Roskilde Cathedral in 1642.
Ulrik's Character
We do not know much about Ulrik's personality. In his youth, he was praised for his knowledge and education. He seemed to enjoy reading and learning. He was very interested in math and geometry. He collected math tools and globes.
Ulrik also liked to have fun. He was said to enjoy drinking, but not so much that it affected his rule. He was strong-willed and determined. He saw many problems in the prince-bishopric and worked to fix them. He helped reorganize the church leadership. He wanted to create good order for his people.
