Henry IV the Faithful
Encyclopedia
Henry IV the Faithful (ca. 1292 – 22 January 1342) was a Duke of Żagań
and parts of Greater Poland
from 1309 until 1317 (with his brothers in all the lands except Głogów in different divisions among them), Duke of Głogów from 1318 until 1321 (with his brother as co-ruler) and sole ruler over Żagań from 1321 until his death.
He was the oldest son of Henry III (I)
, Duke of Głogów, by his wife Matilda
, daughter of Albert I, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg
. The nickname of "Faithful" (Wierny) only was given to him in the 14th century chronicles.
in Krzywin
. The young prince Henry had an important part in this meeting: Władysław I designated him his heir over the Duchy of Poznań
in case he died without male issue; in addition, the Duke of Kuyavia was also forced to secure the succession of Henry III's descendants over all the Duchy of Głogów. However, this agreement was dismissed when Władysław I began to have sons, and in this way, the chances of inheritance of Henry IV over Poznań were small.
Henry III died on 9 December 1309 and Henry IV succeeded him over all his lands except Głogów, which was taken by his mother Matilda as her Oprawa wdowia. Although he was seventeen years old, an age considered enough to rule alone according to the Piast dynasty customs, for unknown reasons, he remained, with his immediate younger brother Konrad, under the regency of their mother until 1312.
In 1312 Henry IV made the first division of the Duchy: the eastern part, consisting of the towns of Oleśnica
, Kluczbork
, Kalisz
and Gniezno
was given to his younger brothers Konrad
and Bolesław. Henry IV and his youngest brothers Jan
and Przemko II retained Ścinawa
, Żagań
and Greater Poland
.
The situation of the Dukes of Głogów was difficult from the beginning of their rule, mostly because of the revived pretentions of Władysław I the Elbow-high over all Greater Poland and the inheritance of Henry IV Probus. For this reason, they decided to establish good relations with the Margraves of Brandenburg as a counterweight against their enemies; as a guarantee of these good relations, Henry IV married the daughter of the Margrave Herman, Matilda, in 1310. In the marriage contract the towns of Krosno Odrzańskie
and Żagań
were also pledged to the Margraviate, remaining in the hands of Brandenburg until 1319, when they came back to Henry III's sons. Thanks to this alliance with the House of Ascania Henry IV, along with younger brothers Konrad and Bolesław renounced in Berlin
on 3 March 1310 their claims over Gdańsk Pomerania
to the Margraves Waldemar of Brandenburg-Stendal
and John V of Brandenburg-Salzwedel, who soon sold them for a large sum of money to the Teutonic Knights
.
In Greater Poland
, the dissatisfaction against the government of Henry III's sons erupted in a revolt, which occurred in 1310. Henry IV suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of insurgents in Klecki, but he managed to maintain his rule. The situation worsened two years later, when the Dukes of Głogów were excommunicated by the of Archbishop of Gniezno, Jakub Świnka
and the Bishop of Poznań, Andrzej Zaremba. However, Władysław I the Elbow-high was only involved directly in the conflict in 1313, and could successfully take control over almost all Greater Poland one year later. Henry IV and his brothers only retained a fraction of the Greater Poland lands near the Obra River, which was ultimately lost in 1332 (with the exception of Wschowa
, which was lost by Henry V of Iron
). The sons of Henry III, after several attempts in the diplomatic sphere, and even with military invasions, tried to recover Greater Poland without success. To this end, they were involved in a series of unfavorable treaties with the Margraves of Brandenburg, hoping for their military support. Fortunately them, all these agreements were annulled after the extinction of the House of Ascania in its Brandenburg branch in 1320.
Also, the alliance with the Dukes of Legnica proved to be totally inadequate. The war of 1312-1317 was finally ended with the settlement of 8 January 1317, by which the Dukes of Głogów were forced to cede the territory between the Oder River and Wołów, with Uraz
and Lubiąż
.
After the death of their mother Matilda in 1318, Głogów was inherited by Henry IV and his brother Przemko II. Three years later, in 1321, the final territorial division was made between them: Przemko II received Głogów as sole ruler, Henry IV obtained Żagań
and Jan obtained Ścinawa
and Lubin
. The other brothers, Konrad and Bolesław, retained Oleśnica
and Namysłów.
In 1322 the sons of Henry III joined the coalition of the Silesian Dukes (Bernard II of Świdnica, Henry VI the Good
, Bolesław III the Generous), whose head was Władysław I the Elbow-high, now King of Poland. This action weakened even more the power of the Dukes of Głogów, who at the end also lost Namysłów.
One year later, in order to avoid the intervention of Emperor Louis IV, Henry IV put his Duchy under the protection of the Holy See
. On 29 July 1326 Henry IV concluded a treaty with his brothers Jan of Ścinawa and Przemko II of Głogów, according to which if one of them died without male issue, the other two inherited his land. It seems that it was an attempt to restore the unity of the Duchy of Głogów.
After 1327 the political situation in Silesia was to change greatly. John of Luxemburg, King of Bohemia, began his direct interference over Upper Silesia
. In 1329 he forced Henry IV, Bolesław III the Generous, Jan of Ścinawa and Konrad I of Oleśnica to became his vassals. From the sons of Henry III, only Przemko II of Głogów refused to accept the overlordship of the Bohemian King. With the support of King John, Henry IV tried unsuccessfully to claim the succession of the House of Ascania over Brandenburg
.
In 1331 Przemko II of Głogów died without issue, poisoned by one of his vassals. According to the agreement previously concluded, his Duchy was divided between Henry IV and Jan of Ścinawa. Przemko II's widow only retained the main city of Głogów and Bytom Odrzański
. King John of Bohemia, however, had other plans; shortly after, he invaded the Duchy, depriving the widow and brothers of their inheritance. In order to validate this action, the King purchased from Jan of Ścinawa his rights over the half of Głogów for 2,000 fines. King John's conduct infringed the rights of Przemko II's widow and Henry IV, who never could retake Głogów.
In order to prevent Jan from selling his Duchy of Ścinawa
to Bohemia, on 25 July 1334 Henry IV and Konrad I entered into an arrangement with him, under which Jan was forbidden to sell any part of Ścinawa without the consent of his brothers. Finally, years later the brothers bought Jan his Duchy, which was returned to him only during his life. On 30 April 1341 Henry IV received from his brother Jan the town of Wschowa
.
Henry IV died on 22 January 1342 in Żagan, and was buried in the local Augustinian church.
Zagan
Zagan may refer to:*Zagan - a demon in the Ars Goetia*Żagań - a town in west Poland...
and parts of Greater Poland
Greater Poland
Greater Poland or Great Poland, often known by its Polish name Wielkopolska is a historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief city is Poznań.The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history...
from 1309 until 1317 (with his brothers in all the lands except Głogów in different divisions among them), Duke of Głogów from 1318 until 1321 (with his brother as co-ruler) and sole ruler over Żagań from 1321 until his death.
He was the oldest son of Henry III (I)
Henry III, Duke of Silesia-Glogau
Henry III of Głogów was a Duke of Głogów from 1274 to his death and also Duke of parts of Greater Poland during 1306–1309....
, Duke of Głogów, by his wife Matilda
Matilda of Brunswick-Lüneburg
Matilda of Brunswick-Lüneburg was a German princess, member of the House of Welf and by marriage Duchess of Glogów, Ścinawa, etc....
, daughter of Albert I, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg
Albert I, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg
Albert the Tall , of the House of Welf, was Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg from 1252 to 1269 and the first ruler of the newly created Principality of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel from 1269 until his death.-Life:...
. The nickname of "Faithful" (Wierny) only was given to him in the 14th century chronicles.
Life
Henry III prepared his eldest son in political affairs from his early years. In 1296 he took the four-years-old Henry with him to peace negotiations with the Duke Władysław I the Elbow-high of KuyaviaKuyavia
Kujawy , is a historical and ethnographic region in the north-central Poland, situated in the basin of the middle Vistula and upper Noteć Rivers, with its capital in Włocławek.-Etymology:The origin of the name Kujawy was seen differently in history...
in Krzywin
Krzywin
Krzywiń is a small town in the centre of Poland in the Kościan County, Greater Poland Voivodeship, located at the Obra canal.Krzywiń was first referred to in scripts as Crivin in 1181. But it was not until 1237 that the area's reputation grew as a prominent marketplace. It was then that it was...
. The young prince Henry had an important part in this meeting: Władysław I designated him his heir over the Duchy of Poznań
Poznan
Poznań is a city on the Warta river in west-central Poland, with a population of 556,022 in June 2009. It is among the oldest cities in Poland, and was one of the most important centres in the early Polish state, whose first rulers were buried at Poznań's cathedral. It is sometimes claimed to be...
in case he died without male issue; in addition, the Duke of Kuyavia was also forced to secure the succession of Henry III's descendants over all the Duchy of Głogów. However, this agreement was dismissed when Władysław I began to have sons, and in this way, the chances of inheritance of Henry IV over Poznań were small.
Henry III died on 9 December 1309 and Henry IV succeeded him over all his lands except Głogów, which was taken by his mother Matilda as her Oprawa wdowia. Although he was seventeen years old, an age considered enough to rule alone according to the Piast dynasty customs, for unknown reasons, he remained, with his immediate younger brother Konrad, under the regency of their mother until 1312.
In 1312 Henry IV made the first division of the Duchy: the eastern part, consisting of the towns of Oleśnica
Olesnica
Oleśnica is a town in the Trzebnickie Hills in southwestern Poland with 36,951 inhabitants . It is situated in Lower Silesian Voivodeship...
, Kluczbork
Kluczbork
Kluczbork is a town in southwestern Poland with 26,670 inhabitants , situated in the Opole Voivodeship. It is the capital of Kluczbork County and an important railroad junction. In Kluczbork the major rail line from Katowice splits into two directions - westwards to Wroclaw and northwards to Poznań...
, Kalisz
Kalisz
Kalisz is a city in central Poland with 106,857 inhabitants , the capital city of the Kalisz Region. Situated on the Prosna river in the southeastern part of the Greater Poland Voivodeship, the city forms a conurbation with the nearby towns of Ostrów Wielkopolski and Nowe Skalmierzyce...
and Gniezno
Gniezno
Gniezno is a city in central-western Poland, some 50 km east of Poznań, inhabited by about 70,000 people. One of the Piasts' chief cities, it was mentioned by 10th century A.D. sources as the capital of Piast Poland however the first capital of Piast realm was most likely Giecz built around...
was given to his younger brothers Konrad
Konrad I of Olesnica
Konrad I of Oleśnica was a Duke of Żagań, Ścinawa, etc., during 1309–1312 , Duke of Oleśnica, Namysłów, Gniezno and Kalisz during 1312–1313 , Duke of Kalisz during 1313–1314 , Duke of Namysłów since 1313 and Duke of Oleśnica since 1321 until his death .He was the second son...
and Bolesław. Henry IV and his youngest brothers Jan
Jan of Scinawa
John was a Duke of Żagań, Ścinawa, etc. during 1309-1317 , Duke of Poznań during 1312-1314 and sole Duke of Ścinawa since....
and Przemko II retained Ścinawa
Scinawa
Ścinawa is a town and municipality on the Oder river in the Lower Silesian region of Poland. The town features a number of historic monuments including city hall and the town church . The Ścinawa train station is a key gateway for travel throughout the region, connecting major destinations such...
, Żagań
Zagan
Zagan may refer to:*Zagan - a demon in the Ars Goetia*Żagań - a town in west Poland...
and Greater Poland
Greater Poland
Greater Poland or Great Poland, often known by its Polish name Wielkopolska is a historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief city is Poznań.The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history...
.
The situation of the Dukes of Głogów was difficult from the beginning of their rule, mostly because of the revived pretentions of Władysław I the Elbow-high over all Greater Poland and the inheritance of Henry IV Probus. For this reason, they decided to establish good relations with the Margraves of Brandenburg as a counterweight against their enemies; as a guarantee of these good relations, Henry IV married the daughter of the Margrave Herman, Matilda, in 1310. In the marriage contract the towns of Krosno Odrzańskie
Krosno Odrzanskie
Krosno Odrzańskie is a city on the east bank of Oder River, at the confluence with the Bóbr. The town in Western Poland with 12,500 inhabitants is the capital of Krosno County...
and Żagań
Zagan
Zagan may refer to:*Zagan - a demon in the Ars Goetia*Żagań - a town in west Poland...
were also pledged to the Margraviate, remaining in the hands of Brandenburg until 1319, when they came back to Henry III's sons. Thanks to this alliance with the House of Ascania Henry IV, along with younger brothers Konrad and Bolesław renounced in Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
on 3 March 1310 their claims over Gdańsk Pomerania
Gdańsk Pomerania
For the medieval duchy, see Pomeranian duchies and dukesGdańsk Pomerania or Eastern Pomerania is a geographical region in northern Poland covering eastern part of Pomeranian Voivodeship...
to the Margraves Waldemar of Brandenburg-Stendal
Waldemar, Margrave of Brandenburg-Stendal
Waldemar of Brandenburg was Margrave of Brandenburg-Stendal, the last from the Ascanian House.-Life:He was a son of Conrad, Margrave of Brandenburg-Stendal and Constance, daughter of Przemysł I of Greater Poland...
and John V of Brandenburg-Salzwedel, who soon sold them for a large sum of money to the Teutonic Knights
Teutonic Knights
The Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem , commonly the Teutonic Order , is a German medieval military order, in modern times a purely religious Catholic order...
.
In Greater Poland
Greater Poland
Greater Poland or Great Poland, often known by its Polish name Wielkopolska is a historical region of west-central Poland. Its chief city is Poznań.The boundaries of Greater Poland have varied somewhat throughout history...
, the dissatisfaction against the government of Henry III's sons erupted in a revolt, which occurred in 1310. Henry IV suffered an unexpected defeat at the hands of insurgents in Klecki, but he managed to maintain his rule. The situation worsened two years later, when the Dukes of Głogów were excommunicated by the of Archbishop of Gniezno, Jakub Świnka
Jakub Swinka
Jakub Świnka was a Polish Catholic priest, the Archbishop of Gniezno and a notable politician and supporter of the idea of unification of all Polish lands under the rule of Władysław I the Elbow-high. His Coat of Arms was Świnka....
and the Bishop of Poznań, Andrzej Zaremba. However, Władysław I the Elbow-high was only involved directly in the conflict in 1313, and could successfully take control over almost all Greater Poland one year later. Henry IV and his brothers only retained a fraction of the Greater Poland lands near the Obra River, which was ultimately lost in 1332 (with the exception of Wschowa
Wschowa
Wschowa is a town in the Lubusz Voivodeship in Poland with 14,607 inhabitants . It is the capital of Wschowa County.-History:Wschowa was originally a border fortress in a region disputed by the Polish dukes of Silesia and Greater Poland. After German colonists had established a settlement nearby,...
, which was lost by Henry V of Iron
Henry V of Iron
Henry V of Iron , was a Duke of Żagań since 1342, from 1349 Duke of half-Głogów, and from 1363 Duke of half-Ścinawa.He was the only son of Henry IV the Faithful, Duke of Żagań, by his wife Matilda, daughter of Herman, Margrave of Brandenburg-Salzwedel.-Life:The young Henry V gained his political...
). The sons of Henry III, after several attempts in the diplomatic sphere, and even with military invasions, tried to recover Greater Poland without success. To this end, they were involved in a series of unfavorable treaties with the Margraves of Brandenburg, hoping for their military support. Fortunately them, all these agreements were annulled after the extinction of the House of Ascania in its Brandenburg branch in 1320.
Also, the alliance with the Dukes of Legnica proved to be totally inadequate. The war of 1312-1317 was finally ended with the settlement of 8 January 1317, by which the Dukes of Głogów were forced to cede the territory between the Oder River and Wołów, with Uraz
Uraz
Uraz may refer to the following places in Poland:*Uraz, Lower Silesian Voivodeship *Uraz, West Pomeranian Voivodeship...
and Lubiąż
Lubiaz
Lubiąż is a village on the east bank of the Odra River, in the administrative district of Gmina Wołów, within Wołów County, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, in south-western Poland. It lies approximately south-west of Wołów, and west of the regional capital Wrocław. The village has a population of...
.
After the death of their mother Matilda in 1318, Głogów was inherited by Henry IV and his brother Przemko II. Three years later, in 1321, the final territorial division was made between them: Przemko II received Głogów as sole ruler, Henry IV obtained Żagań
Zagan
Zagan may refer to:*Zagan - a demon in the Ars Goetia*Żagań - a town in west Poland...
and Jan obtained Ścinawa
Scinawa
Ścinawa is a town and municipality on the Oder river in the Lower Silesian region of Poland. The town features a number of historic monuments including city hall and the town church . The Ścinawa train station is a key gateway for travel throughout the region, connecting major destinations such...
and Lubin
Lubin
Lubin is a town in Lower Silesian Voivodeship in south-western Poland. From 1975–1998 it belonged to the former Legnica Voivodeship. Lubin is the administrative seat of Lubin County, and also of the rural district called Gmina Lubin, although it is not part of the territory of the latter,...
. The other brothers, Konrad and Bolesław, retained Oleśnica
Olesnica
Oleśnica is a town in the Trzebnickie Hills in southwestern Poland with 36,951 inhabitants . It is situated in Lower Silesian Voivodeship...
and Namysłów.
In 1322 the sons of Henry III joined the coalition of the Silesian Dukes (Bernard II of Świdnica, Henry VI the Good
Henry VI the Good
Henry VI the Good was a Duke of Wrocław since 1296 ....
, Bolesław III the Generous), whose head was Władysław I the Elbow-high, now King of Poland. This action weakened even more the power of the Dukes of Głogów, who at the end also lost Namysłów.
One year later, in order to avoid the intervention of Emperor Louis IV, Henry IV put his Duchy under the protection of the Holy See
Holy See
The Holy See is the episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome, in which its Bishop is commonly known as the Pope. It is the preeminent episcopal see of the Catholic Church, forming the central government of the Church. As such, diplomatically, and in other spheres the Holy See acts and...
. On 29 July 1326 Henry IV concluded a treaty with his brothers Jan of Ścinawa and Przemko II of Głogów, according to which if one of them died without male issue, the other two inherited his land. It seems that it was an attempt to restore the unity of the Duchy of Głogów.
After 1327 the political situation in Silesia was to change greatly. John of Luxemburg, King of Bohemia, began his direct interference over Upper Silesia
Upper Silesia
Upper Silesia is the southeastern part of the historical and geographical region of Silesia. Since the 9th century, Upper Silesia has been part of Greater Moravia, the Duchy of Bohemia, the Piast Kingdom of Poland, again of the Lands of the Bohemian Crown and the Holy Roman Empire, as well as of...
. In 1329 he forced Henry IV, Bolesław III the Generous, Jan of Ścinawa and Konrad I of Oleśnica to became his vassals. From the sons of Henry III, only Przemko II of Głogów refused to accept the overlordship of the Bohemian King. With the support of King John, Henry IV tried unsuccessfully to claim the succession of the House of Ascania over Brandenburg
Brandenburg
Brandenburg is one of the sixteen federal-states of Germany. It lies in the east of the country and is one of the new federal states that were re-created in 1990 upon the reunification of the former West Germany and East Germany. The capital is Potsdam...
.
In 1331 Przemko II of Głogów died without issue, poisoned by one of his vassals. According to the agreement previously concluded, his Duchy was divided between Henry IV and Jan of Ścinawa. Przemko II's widow only retained the main city of Głogów and Bytom Odrzański
Bytom Odrzanski
Bytom Odrzański is a town on the Oder river in western Poland, in Nowa Sól County of Lubusz Voivodeship.-History:Archaeological findings from the Stone Age and Bronze Age around Bytom suggest a early settlement. A Slavic gród is mentioned in 1005...
. King John of Bohemia, however, had other plans; shortly after, he invaded the Duchy, depriving the widow and brothers of their inheritance. In order to validate this action, the King purchased from Jan of Ścinawa his rights over the half of Głogów for 2,000 fines. King John's conduct infringed the rights of Przemko II's widow and Henry IV, who never could retake Głogów.
In order to prevent Jan from selling his Duchy of Ścinawa
Scinawa
Ścinawa is a town and municipality on the Oder river in the Lower Silesian region of Poland. The town features a number of historic monuments including city hall and the town church . The Ścinawa train station is a key gateway for travel throughout the region, connecting major destinations such...
to Bohemia, on 25 July 1334 Henry IV and Konrad I entered into an arrangement with him, under which Jan was forbidden to sell any part of Ścinawa without the consent of his brothers. Finally, years later the brothers bought Jan his Duchy, which was returned to him only during his life. On 30 April 1341 Henry IV received from his brother Jan the town of Wschowa
Wschowa
Wschowa is a town in the Lubusz Voivodeship in Poland with 14,607 inhabitants . It is the capital of Wschowa County.-History:Wschowa was originally a border fortress in a region disputed by the Polish dukes of Silesia and Greater Poland. After German colonists had established a settlement nearby,...
.
Henry IV died on 22 January 1342 in Żagan, and was buried in the local Augustinian church.
Marriage and issue
By 5 January 1310, Henry IV married Matilda (b. ca. 1296 - d. ca. 31 March 1329), daughter of Herman, Margrave of Brandenburg-Salzwedel. They had four children:- Hedwig (b. ca. 1316 - d. 28 May? 1348), Abbess of TrebnitzTrebnitzTrebnitz is a village and a former municipality in the district Burgenlandkreis, in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Since 1 January 2011, it is part of the town Teuchern....
. - Henry V of IronHenry V of IronHenry V of Iron , was a Duke of Żagań since 1342, from 1349 Duke of half-Głogów, and from 1363 Duke of half-Ścinawa.He was the only son of Henry IV the Faithful, Duke of Żagań, by his wife Matilda, daughter of Herman, Margrave of Brandenburg-Salzwedel.-Life:The young Henry V gained his political...
(b. ca. 1319 - d. aft. 8 April 1369). - Salome (b. aft. 1320 - d. aft. 12 June 1359), married by 1335 to Henry II ReussReussReuss was the name of several historical states located in present-day Thuringia, Germany. Its rulers, the Reuss family, named all of their male children Heinrich after the end of the 12th century in honour of Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor , to whom they owed the estates of Weida and Gera...
, Vogt of PlauenPlauenPlauen is a town in the Free State of Saxony, east-central Germany.It is the capital of the Vogtlandkreis. The town is situated near the border of Bavaria and the Czech Republic.Plauen's slogan is Plauen - echt Spitze.-History:...
. - Agnes (b. ca. 1321 - d. 7 July 1362), married by 1332 to Duke Leszek of RacibórzLeszek of RacibórzLeszek of Racibórz was a Duke of Racibórz since 1306 and Duke of Koźle from 1334 until his death.He was the eldest child and only son of Duke Przemysław of Racibórz by his wife Anna, daughter of Duke Konrad II of Masovia.-Life:...
and secondly by 1341 with Duke Louis I of BrzegLudwik I the FairLudwik I the Fair or Louis I the Fair also known as the Wise, the Right or of Brzeg , was a Duke of Legnica two times: first during 1342-1345 and secondly during 1345-1346 , and Duke of Brzeg from 1358...
.