Henry I, Count of Holstein-Rendsburg


Henry I, Count of Holstein-Rendsburg was the first Count of Holstein-Rendsburg.

Life

He was the son of Gerhard I, Count of Holstein-Itzehoe and Elisabeth of Mecklenburg.
In 1285, he was able to persuade King Eric V of Denmark to release Duke Valdemar IV of Schleswig from captivity. After the death of his father, the surviving sons divided the county among themselves. Henry was awarded the division of Rendsburg. He was constantly at war with the Dithmarschen.
Shortly before his death he introduced a toll on imported goods. Half the proceeds went to Hamburg, the other half was divided between Holstein-Schaumburg and Holstein-Rendsburg. After the Holstein-Schaumburg line died out in 1640, the Holstein half of the proceeds went to the Duchy of Holstein. After the Dukes of Holstein died out in 1768, the proceeds went to Hamburg

Seal

The inscription in his seal reads: S * HINRICI * Comitis * HOLTSATIE * ET * EN * SCOWENBRCH.

Marriage and issue

He married in 1289 to Heilwig, the daughter of Willem II van Bronkhorst, lord of Bronkhorst and Rekem, and of Ermgard van Randerode. The couple had the following children: