Wolfert VI of Borselen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wolfert VI van Borselen
Lord of Veere and Zandenburg
Wolfert VI van Borselen
Predecessor	Henry II van Borselen
Successor	Anna van Borselen
Born	c. 1430
Died	29 April 1486 Saint-Omer

Wolfert VI van Borselen (born around 1430 – died April 29, 1486, in Saint-Omer) was an important nobleman in the Netherlands. He served as a stadtholder, which was like a governor, for the regions of Holland, Friesland, and Zeeland. He was also the Admiral of the Netherlands (outside Flanders) and the Lord of Veere.

Wolfert's Family Background

Wolfert VI van Borselen was the son of Henry II of Borselen. His father, Henry II, was a very wealthy man. He was also very good at making his family even richer.

How Henry II Grew His Family's Wealth

In 1452, Henry II added the towns of Vlissingen, Westkapelle, and Domburg to his lands. Later, he also gained Brouwershaven, the county of Grandpré, and the lordship of Fallais. This made Henry II the most powerful person on the island of Walcheren.

In 1429, Henry II married Joan van Halewijn. Wolfert had an older brother named Albrecht. Sadly, Albrecht died in 1436 during a Prussian Crusade. Wolfert also had a sister named Margaret. She married a very important person, Louis de Gruuthuse.

Wolfert's Life and Career

Wolfert's Marriages

In 1444, when Wolfert was only 14, his father arranged his marriage. Wolfert married Mary Stewart, who was the fifth daughter of King James I of Scotland. Mary was also still a child at the time. This marriage made Wolfert VI the Earl of Buchan. Their wedding took place at Zandenburg, which was the main home of the lords of Veere.

Mary died on March 20, 1465. Wolfert did not have any sons who survived, so he decided to marry again. On June 17, 1468, he married Charlotte de Bourbon-Montpensier. She was born in 1445 and died on March 14, 1478. Charlotte was the youngest daughter of Louis I, Count of Montpensier.

Wolfert's Military Actions

Wolfert was a soldier and fought in several conflicts. During the Revolt of Ghent (1449–1453), he joined the army of Philip the Good in 1452. He was part of the Siege of Oudenaarde and a battle near Termonde.

In 1454, he attended a grand event called the Feast of the Pheasant. In 1461, Wolfert went with Philip the Good to see King Louis XI crowned in Rheims. Later that year, he was with the king when he entered Paris. Wolfert then became an official advisor and chamberlin for King Louis XI.

Becoming an Admiral

In 1466, Wolfert became the Admiral of the Netherlands (outside Flanders). This meant he was in charge of the navy for areas like Artois, Boulonnais, Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland.

Wolfert fought alongside his father in the Wars of Liège. He was notably involved after the city of Dinant was captured and in the 1467 Battle of Brustem. During the Wars of the Roses in England, Wolfert and his father fought at sea. In 1470, he battled against a fleet led by the Earl of Warwick.

Taking Over from His Father

In 1468, Wolfert took control of all his father's properties. He paid 4,000 pounds a year for them. In 1470, Wolfert van Borselen, who was also the Count of Buchan and lord of Heimsrode, took possession of the Lordship of Fallais. By 1472, he was already using the title Lord of Fallais.

In 1474, his father, Henry II van Borselen, passed away. Wolfert then officially inherited all of his father's titles and lands. In 1475, Wolfert was part of the Siege of Neuss.

Wolfert as Stadtholder

In 1477, Wolfert became the stadtholder (governor) of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland. He took over from his brother-in-law, Louis de Gruuthuse, who had to leave the position because he was not from those lands. In 1478, Wolfert was made a Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece, a very important group of nobles.

Challenges as Stadtholder

However, Wolfert did not do well as stadtholder. In 1477, he tried to capture Schagen Castle to imprison its lord, Albrecht. But there was a lot of fighting and rebellion against the central government during the end of the Hook and Cod wars. Wolfert struggled to bring order back to the region.

People from the "Cod" side accused him of being careless and not capable enough. They wanted him replaced. It was a difficult decision, but in 1480, Wolfert was replaced by Joost de Lalaing.

Conflicts with Maximilian of Austria

After Mary of Burgundy died on March 27, 1482, a war started with France. On August 30, 1482, Louis de Bourbon, Bishop of Liège was killed by William I de La Marck. This led Wolfert into conflict with Liège again. His castle at Falais was taken over, which caused him great losses.

On May 2, 1482, the states of Flanders recognized Maximilian of Austria as the guardian for his children with Mary. Peace with France was made with the Peace of Arras in December 1482.

In January 1483, the states of Flanders made Maximilian accept a special council to help him. Wolfert joined this council shortly after. In June 1483, Maximilian agreed to the council's role, but in October 1484, he ended it.

In 1485, the Flemish Revolt against Maximilian of Austria led to open war. Flanders fought against other provinces that supported Maximilian. Wolfert supported Flanders. Because of this, he lost favor and was put on trial by the Order of the Golden Fleece. The trial continued even after Wolfert died, but it was eventually stopped.

Wolfert's Death

On July 4, 1485, a marriage contract was signed for Wolfert's daughter, Anna (born around 1472 – died 1518). She was to marry Philip of Burgundy-Beveren (born around 1450 – died 1498). This marriage might have been a way to protect the family's lands. Also in 1485, Isabeau de Hallewin married Louis de Joyeuse, bringing the county of Grand-Pré to her marriage.

Wolfert died in Saint-Omer in April 1486. He was buried in the chapel at Zandenburg.

Wolfert's Children

With Mary Stewart, Countess of Buchan, Wolfert had:

• Charles (born 1451), who died at age 13.
• Jean, who died young.

With Charlotte de Bourbon-Montpensier, Wolfert had:

• Louis, who died young.
• Anna van Borselen, who became his successor as lord of Veere. She married Philip of Burgundy-Beveren and later Louis, burgrave of Montfoort.
• Margaret, lady of Ridderkerk.
• Maria, lady of Baarland, who married Martin of Polheim.
• Jeanne, who inherited the Lordship of Fallais and married Wolfgang of Polheim.