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Henry IIIDuke of Brabant (since 1248)
Date of Birth: 01.01.1231
Country:  France |
Content:
- Duke of Brabant (1248)
- War of the Flemish Succession and the Imperial Election
- Religious Beliefs and Economic Policies
- Monument and Reign of Adelaide of Burgundy
- Marriage and Children
- Henry IV, who renounced the throne for a monastic life
Duke of Brabant (1248)
Henry III, the eldest son of Henry II of Brabant and Maria of Swabia, became Duke of Brabant in 1248. The court of Henry II was predominantly French-speaking, and Henry acquired initial military experience alongside his cousin William II, Count of Holland. In 1248, he participated in William's coronation in Aachen.
War of the Flemish Succession and the Imperial Election
Despite his earlier support, Henry did not back William's claim in the War of the Flemish Succession. After William's death, he supported Alfonso X of Castile for the imperial throne. Similar to his father's actions shortly before his death, Henry issued a charter (landsprivilegie) safeguarding the rights of Brabant's citizens.
Religious Beliefs and Economic Policies
Henry III was devout and bestowed significant sums on the crusaders. He also expelled Jews and usurers from Brabant or forced them to abandon their trade, a decision that was later addressed by Saint Thomas Aquinas in his "De regimine Judaeorum."
Monument and Reign of Adelaide of Burgundy
Henry III and his wife Adelaide of Burgundy are memorialized with fragments of their tombs in the Dominican church in Leuven. Their tombs and the Carmelite monastery Henry founded in Brussels were later restored by Duke Philip III of Burgundy.
Marriage and Children
In 1251, Henry III married Adelaide of Burgundy, the daughter of Hugh IV, Duke of Burgundy. This union produced four children:
Henry IV, who renounced the throne for a monastic life
John I, who succeeded Henry IV as Duke of BrabantGodfrey, Lord of Aarschot
Mary of Brabant, who became Queen of France by marrying Philip III
Illegitimate Child
Henry III also had an illegitimate son, Giles van der Balch.
