Elizabeth Gorlitz Duchess of Luxembourg from 1411 to 1443, the only daughter of Johann von Görlitz and his wife Richarda Date of Birth: 01.01.1390 Country: Germany

1. Childhood and Regency
2. Marriage Negotiations
3. Marriage to Anthony of Burgundy
4. Rule of Luxembourg
5. Conflict with Sigismund
6. Second Marriage
7. Dutch Civil War
8. Legacy

Childhood and Regency

Elizabeth von Görlitz was born as the only daughter of John von Görlitz and Richardis, daughter of Albert of Mecklenburg. After her father's untimely demise, Elizabeth was raised under the guardianship of her uncle, King Wenceslas IV of Bohemia. She became the sole heiress of the Luxembourg possessions until the birth of her cousin Elizabeth of Luxembourg in 1409.

Marriage Negotiations

Wenceslas IV arranged several marriage proposals for Elizabeth, including one with Frederick, son of Balthazar of Meissen, and another with Charles, son of Louis of Orleans, regent of France. However, these negotiations strained Wenceslas's relationship with his brother, Sigismund of Luxembourg, who favored a marriage with the Habsburg dynasty.

Marriage to Anthony of Burgundy

In 1408, Wenceslas allied with John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy, and in 1409, Elizabeth was betrothed to Anthony, John's brother. The marriage contract granted the couple the Duchy of Luxembourg. In April 1410, Elizabeth gave birth to their only son, William, who died in July of the same year.

Rule of Luxembourg

In 1411, Elizabeth and Anthony became Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg. However, their rule faced opposition from the Luxembourg estates, who sought alliances with the Armagnacs in France and Sigismund of Luxembourg.

Conflict with Sigismund

Sigismund, now Holy Roman Emperor, declared the acquisition of Luxembourg by Burgundy as illegal. He forbade loyalty to Elizabeth and Anthony and called for resistance. Elizabeth and Anthony only managed to solidify their power in 1415.

Second Marriage

After Anthony's death at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, Elizabeth was placed under the guardianship of Sigismund. In 1418, she married John III of Bavaria-Straubing, Duke of Holland, Zeeland, and Hainaut.

Dutch Civil War

Sigismund supported Elizabeth's uncle, John of Bavaria, in his claim to Holland, Zeeland, and Hainaut. This led to a conflict between the Burgundians and Sigismund known as the Hook and Cod Wars. In 1420, John of Bavaria gained control of these territories.

Legacy

Elizabeth and John III's marriage was childless. After John's murder in 1425, Elizabeth became Dowager Duchess of Holland. She remained Duchess of Luxembourg and retained the Vogt in Alsace.