Ermesinde, Countess of Luxembourg

Ermesinde was born in July 1186 and lived until 12 February 1247. She became the countess of Luxembourg in 1197 and ruled until she passed away. Ermesinde was the only child of Count Henry IV and his wife Agnes of Guelders. Her leadership helped shape the history of Luxembourg during her time. For information about another countess with a similar name, see Ermesinde of Luxembourg, Countess of Namur.

Succession

Before Ermesinde was born, her father, Count Henry IV of Luxembourg, had chosen his nephew Count Baldwin V of Hainaut to be his successor. But then, when Henry was 74 years old, he and his wife, Agnes of Guelders, had a daughter, Ermesinde. This changed things, and Ermesinde became the next in line instead of Baldwin.

When Henry died in 1196, there was a disagreement about who should take over. In the end, the lands were divided. Baldwin received Namur, while Ermesinde received Durbuy and La Roche. The area of Luxembourg went back to their lord, Emperor Henry VI, who then gave it to his brother Otto.

Dynastic connections

Ermesinde was the only child of Count Henry IV and his wife Agnes of Guelders. Because she had no brothers or sisters, she became the countess of Luxembourg when her father died. Being the only heir, she helped connect noble families through marriage and family ties.

Rule

Ermesinde was first promised to marry Count Henry II of Champagne, but this plan was cancelled in 1189. She then married Count Theobald I of Bar, who helped make her the countess of Luxembourg.

After Theobald died in 1214, Ermesinde married Count Waleran III of Limburg. Together, they ruled Luxembourg. When Waleran died, Ermesinde continued to rule alone for twenty years. She worked hard to help her land, giving freedom to many towns and making Luxembourg more successful.

Grave

According to legend, Ermesinde once saw the Virgin Mary and decided to build Clairefontaine Abbey there. She asked to be buried there when she passed away. Her son, Henry V, built the abbey. Later, French troops destroyed the abbey. Before it was destroyed, nuns hid Ermesinde’s remains in a chapel. These remains were found by the Jesuits in 1875-1877 and are now kept in the crypt of the chapel at Clairefontaine.

Children

Ermesinde had children with her first husband, Theobald I of Bar. Their children were Renaud, Elisabeth, and Margaret.

Later, she had more children with Waleran III, Count of Limburg. Their children were Henry V of Luxembourg, Gérard I of Durbuy, and Catherine of Limburg.