List of rulers of Mecklenburg explained

Royal Title:Monarchy
Realm:Mecklenburg
Border:state
Coatofarms:Coat of Arms of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg - Schwerin.svg
Coatofarmscaption:Grand ducal coat of arms
of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
First Monarch:Niklot
Last Monarch:Frederick Francis IV, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Style:His Royal Highness
Appointer:Hereditary
Began:1130
Ended:1918
Pretender:Borwin, Duke of Mecklenburg

This list of dukes and grand dukes of Mecklenburg dates from the origins of the German princely state of Mecklenburg's royal house in the High Middle Ages to the monarchy's abolition at the end of World War I. Strictly speaking, Mecklenburg's princely dynasty was descended linearly from the princes (or kings) of a Slavic tribe, the Obotrites, and had its original residence in a castle (Mecklenburg) in Dorf Mecklenburg (Mikelenburg) close to Wismar.[1] As part of a feudal union under German law from 1160—at first under the Saxons—Mecklenburg was granted imperial immediacy in 1348 and its princely rulers styled Dukes of Mecklenburg.[2] Despite several partitions, Mecklenburg remained an integral state until the end of the monarchy. The First Partition of Mecklenburg came in 1234, causing the principality to lose land. Thus arose the partial principalities (lordships) of Werle, Parchim-Richenberg, Rostock and Mecklenburg.[3] In modern times it was divided into the two (partial) duchies of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (I) and Mecklenburg-Stargard (1348–1471), Mecklenburg-Schwerin (II) and Mecklenburg-Güstrow (1555–1695), and with the Treaty of Hamburg (1701) into Mecklenburg-Schwerin (III) and Mecklenburg-Strelitz.[1] [4] However, the dynasty always retained feudal rights to the entire fief and the rulers of both parts of the country always had identical titles,[4] which led to diplomatic confusion.

The Congress of Vienna in 1815 granted the ruling dukes an adjustment in rank with the title Grand Duke of Mecklenburg and the personal style Royal Highness.[1] Both parts of the country were henceforth designated Grand Duchies. Besides both rulers, each heir to the throne, their respective wives and all other members of the princely family used the title of Duke (or Duchess) of Mecklenburg, notwithstanding the customary name of Princes and Princesses. The rulers of Mecklenburg were styled Duke of (from 1815 Grand Duke of) Mecklenburg, Prince of the Wends, Schwerin and Ratzeburg, and Count of Schwerin, Lord of the Lands of Rostock and Stargard (Herzog zu / Großherzog von Mecklenburg, Fürst zu Wenden, Schwerin und Ratzeburg, auch Graf zu Schwerin, der Lande Rostock und Stargard Herr).[5]

At the end of the monarchy in 1918, the House of Mecklenburg was the oldest ruling princely dynasty in Germany. During the Weimar Republic, the former princely title was turned into a commoner's surname, Herzog zu Mecklenburg ("Duke of Mecklenburg").[5]

The Land of the Obotrites

See also: Obotrites.

As allies of the Carolingian kings and the empire of their Ottonian successors, the Obotrites fought from 808 to 1200 against the kings of Denmark, who wished to rule the Baltic region independently of the empire. When opportunities arose, for instance upon the death of an emperor, they would seek to seize power; and in 983 Hamburg was destroyed by the Obotrites under their king, Mstivoj. At times they levied tribute from the Danes and Saxons. Under the leadership of Niklot, they resisted a Christian assault during the Wendish Crusade.German missionaries such as Vicelinus converted the Obotrites to Christianity. In 1170 they acknowledged the suzerainty of the Holy Roman Empire, leading to Germanisation and assimilation over the following centuries. The ruling clan of the Obotrites kept its power throughout the Germanisation and ruled their country (except of a short interruption in Thirty Years' War) as House of Mecklenburg until the end of monarchies in Germany in November Revolution 1918.

List of Obotrite leaders

RulerReignNotes
Witzlaus?–ca. 795
Thrasco?–ca. 795-810
Slavomir (de)?–810-819Ally of the Frankish Empire. In 816, he joined the rebellion of the Sorbs. Eventually captured and abandoned by his own people, being replaced by Ceadrag in 818.
Ceadrag (de)819 - after 826Ally of the Frankish Empire. He rebelled against the Franks with alliance with the Danes, but later was reconciled with Franks.
Selibur
Nako954-966Nako and his brother Stoigniew were defeated at the Raxa river (955) by Otto I, after which Stoigniew was beheaded and Nako accepted Christianity, resulting in thirty years of peace.
Mstivoj and Mstidrag966 - 995Sons of Nako. They abandoned Christianity and revolted against the Germans (Great Slav Rising).
Mieceslas III919 - 999in 995 defeated by Otto III, Holy Roman Emperor.
Mstislav996 - 1018
Udo or Przybigniew1018 - 1028
Ratibor1028 - 1043
Gottschalk1043 to 1066Founder of the Wendian State
Budivoj1066 and 1069
Kruto1066-1069 and 1069-1093
Henry1093 - 1127

The rulers of Obotrite lands were later the Dukes and Grand Dukes of Mecklenburg.

The Saxon suzerainty and the land of Mecklenburg

See also: Mecklenburg.

From the 7th through the 12th centuries, the area of Mecklenburg was taken over by Western Slavic peoples, most notably the Obotrites and other tribes that Frankish sources referred to as "Wends". The 11th century founder of the Mecklenburgian dynasty of Dukes and later Grand Dukes, which lasted until 1918, was Nyklot of the Obotrites.

In the late 12th century, Henry the Lion, Duke of the Saxons, conquered the region, subjugated its local lords, and Christianized its people, in a precursor to the Northern Crusades. From 12th to 14th century, large numbers of Germans and Flemings settled the area (Ostsiedlung), importing German law and improved agricultural techniques. The Wends who survived all warfare and devastation of the centuries before, including invasions of and expeditions into Saxony, Denmark and Liutizic areas as well as internal conflicts, were assimilated in the centuries thereafter. However, elements of certain names and words used in Mecklenburg speak to the lingering Slavic influence. An example would be the city of Schwerin, which was originally called Zuarin in Slavic. Another example is the town of Bresegard, the 'gard' portion of the town name deriving from the Slavic word 'grad', meaning city or town.

Partitions of Mecklenburg

Like many German territories, Mecklenburg was sometimes partitioned and re-partitioned among different members of the ruling dynasty. The division started in 1227.

Partition of 1227

In 1227, Henry Borwin II divided his lands of Mecklenburg among his sons: John received the area called Mecklenburg; Nicholas received Werle; Henry Borwin III Rostock and Pribislaus Parchim-Rinchenberg. In 1256, the latter showed incapacity for government and his brothers deposed him, dividing his lands among themselves.

In 1314 the land of Nicholas the Child of Rostock died without heirs; his lands were annexed to Mecklenburg-Mecklenburg.

In 1348 Mecklenburg-Mecklenburg and its possessions were elevated as an unified duchy, with seat at Schwerin. The line of Mecklenburg-Mecklenburg then took the seat's name for their branch: from 1348, when elevated, the line of Mecklenburg-Mecklenburg changed to Mecklenburg-Schwerin.

In 1352 the duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin was again divided: from Schwerin grew a new line of dukes, called Mecklenburg-Stargard.

In 1436 the Werle line, and in 1471 the Stargard line were annexed to Mecklenburg-Schwerin, reuniting all the lands of Mecklenburg.

Partition of 1520

In 1520 the united Mecklenburg, bearing the name Mecklenburg-Schwerin, was redivided. The line of Mecklenburg-Güstrow splits off from the elder line of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. In 1695 Mecklenburg-Schwerin-Güstrow was reabsorbed in Mecklenburg, reuniting the duchy one more time.

Partition of 1701

In 1701 the united Mecklenburg, bearing the name Mecklenburg-Schwerin, was redivided. The line of Mecklenburg-Strelitz splits off from the elder line of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. In 1918, at the end of World War I, the monarchy was abolished, with the duchy still divided.

Partitions of Mecklenburg under Mecklenburg rule

      <---Mecklenburg--->
Lordship of
Lolland

(vassal of
Denmark
)
(1160-1183)
Lordship of
Rostock

(1st creation)
(1160-1200)
Lordship of
Mecklenburg

(1131-1347)
Annexed
to Denmark
      <---Mecklenburg--->
Lordship of
Rostock

(2nd creation)
(1227-1314)
      <---Mecklenburg--->Lordship of Werle
(1227-1281)
Lordship of
Parchim

(1227-1270)[6]
      <---Werle--->
Lordship of
Güstrow

(1st creation)
(1281-1291)
Lordship of
Parchim

(1281-1291)
Lordship of Werle
(Parchim line)
(1291-1316)
Raised to:
Duchy of
Mecklenburg
[7]
(1347-1520)
      <---Gustrow--->Lordship
of Goldberg

(1316-1402)[8]
Lordship
of Waren

(1337-1425)
Lordship
of Güstrow

(2nd creation)
(1316-1425)
Duchy of
Stargard

(1352-1471)
      <---Mecklenburg--->
      <---Gustrow--->
Lordship of Werle
(Gustrow line)
(1425-1436)
      <---Mecklenburg--->
      <---Mecklenburg--->
Duchy of
Schwerin

(1520-1918)
Duchy of Güstrow
(1520-1695)
      <---Gustrow--->Duchy of Strelitz
(1695-1918)[9]
      <---Schwerin--->

Table of rulers

(Note: The current numbering system established for the rulers of Mecklenburg is based in the following: the Mecklenburgian group (Mecklenburg, and then Schwerin, later Gustrow and Strelitz) form one group of a single numbering. The other parts of Mecklenburg (Parchim, Werle and divisions, Rostock and Stargard) have their own and independent numberings for their rulers.)

RulerBornReignRuling partConsortDeathNotes
1090
?
1131 – August 1160Principality of the Obotritic ConfederationUnknown
at least two children
August 1160
Werle
aged 69-70
Founder of the Nikloting family, he was a Prince of the Obotrites. Also ruled the subdued Polabian Slav tribes of Kessinians and Circipanians.
c.1130?
First son of Niklot
August 1160 – 30 December 1178Lordship of MecklenburgVizlava of Pomerania
c.1175
at least one child
30 December 1178
Lüneburg
aged 47-48?
Children of Niklot, divided their inheritance. Pribislaus accepted Saxon suzerainty in 1167.
c.1130?
Second son of Niklot
August 1160 – June 1164Lordship of RostockUnknown
at least one child
June 1164
Trostberg
aged 33-34?
c.1130?
Third son of Niklot
August 1160 – c.1175Lordship of Lolland
(vassalage to Denmark)
Catharina of Denmark
1159
two children
c.1175
aged 44-45?
Regency of Pribislaus I, Lord of Mecklenburg (1164-1178)Left no descendants. Rostock was inherited by Mecklenburg.
Nicholas I
(alternatively Niklot II)
c.1160
Son of Warcislaus
June 1164 – 25 May 1200Lordship of RostockUnmarried25 May 1200
Wittendörp
aged 39-40
Rostock annexed to Mecklenburg
c.1160?
Son of Prislaus and Catharina of Denmark
c.1175 – 1183Lordship of Lolland
(vassalage to Denmark)
Unmarried1183
aged 22-23?
Left no descendants. After his death, Lolland returned to Denmark's possession
Lolland annexed to Denmark
c.1150
Son of Pribislaus I Henry and Vizlava of Pomerania
30 December 1178 – 1219Lordship of MecklenburgMatilda of Saxony
c.1170
two children

Adelaide
before 1227
one child
28 January 1227
aged 76-77
Abdicated in 1219.
1170
First son of Henry Borwin I and Matilda of Saxony
1219 – 5 June 1226Lordship of Mecklenburg
(at Mecklenburg proper)
Christina of Sweden
c.1200
six children
5 June 1226
Güstrow
aged 55-56
Children of Henry Borwin I, ruled jointly.
Nicholas IIc.1175
Second son of Henry Borwin I and Matilda of Saxony
1219 – 28 September 1225Lordship of Mecklenburg
(at Gadebusch)
Unmarried28 September 1225
Gadebusch
aged 49-50
Gadebusch annexed to Mecklenburg
c.1210
First son of Henry Borwin II and Christina of Sweden
5 June 1226 – 14 May 1277Lordship of WerleJudith of Anhalt
1231
seven children
14 May 1277
aged 66-67
Children of Henry Borwin II, divided their inheritance. Despite being stripped off from Parchim by his brothers, he still retained his rule at the town of Białogard, which he passed to his son. In Rostock, and from 1262, Henry Borwin III associated his eldest son to his rule, but he predeceased him.
c.1211
Second son of Henry Borwin II and Christina of Sweden
5 June 1226 – 1 August 1264Lordship of MecklenburgLuitgard of Henneberg
c.1230
seven children
1 August 1264
aged 52-53
c.1220
Third son of Henry Borwin II and Christina of Sweden
5 June 1226 – 1 August 1278Lordship of RostockSophia of Sweden
1237
four children
1 August 1278
aged 57-58
c.1240?
First son of Henry Borwin III and Sophia of Sweden
1262 – 1266Unmarried1266
aged 25-26
1224
Fourth son of Henry Borwin II and Christina of Sweden
5 June 1226 – 1275Lordship of Parchim-Richenberg
(since 1256 in Białogard only)
A lady of the Riesack family
two children

A daughter of Barnim I, Duke of Pomerania
one child
c.1275
Białogard
aged 50-51
Parchim-Richenberg (with exceptions) was divided between the Mecklenburg parts
c.1230
First son of John I and Luitgard of Henneberg
1 August 1264 – 1271
(Ruled probably only de jure in 1298-1302)
Lordship of Mecklenburg
(at Mecklenburg proper)
Anastasia of Pomerania
c.1259
three children
2 January 1302
aged 71-72?
Children of John I, divided their inheritance. In 1271, Henry I made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. On the way, he was taken prisoner and deported to Cairo, where he was held in captivity by the Arabs for 27 years. During his absence, Mecklenburg itself was subject of internal strife: his brother John II, who had received Gadesbusch, and Nicholas III himself fought for control of the young heirs, then ruling under regency of their mother at Wismar. Henry I would return to Mecklenburg via Morea and Rome in 1298. In 1299, despite formally resuming his reign, he probably left the business of government mostly to his son Henry II.
c.1230
Second son of John I and Luitgard of Henneberg
1 August 1264 – 17 May 1265Unmarried17 May 1265
aged 34-35?
c.1230
Third son of John I and Luitgard of Henneberg
1 August 1264 – 8 June 12908 June 1290
aged 59-60?
c.1240
Fourth son of John I and Luitgard of Henneberg
1 August 1264 – 12 October 1299Lordship of Mecklenburg
(at Gadebusch)
Luitgard of Arnsberg-Cuik
(d.1304)
three children
12 October 1299
aged 58-59?
Gadebusch reannexed to Mecklenburg
Anastasia of Pomeraniac.1245
Daughter of Barnim I, Duke of Pomerania and Anna Maria of Saxony
1271 – 15 March 1317Lordship of Mecklenburg
(at Poel[10])
Henry I
c.1259
three children
15 March 1317
Ribnitz-Damgarten
aged 71-72
Possibly controlling Wismar from her dowry island of Poel, Anastasia and her sons stood against Henry I's brothers; little by little, Henry II (the one who survived his uncles) recovered Mecklenburg. In 1298, after his father's return, he continued to manage the affairs of the duchy as the de facto ruler.
Regency of Anastasia of Pomerania (1271-1287), jointly/rivalling with Nicholas III, Lord of Mecklenburg and John II, Lord of Gadesbusch (1275-1283)
1267
First son of Henry I and Anastasia of Pomerania
1271 – 21 January 1329
(with his father as de jure duke 1299-1302)
Lordship of Mecklenburg
(at Wismar until 1299;[11] in Mecklenburg proper from 1299)
Beatrice of Brandenburg-Stendal
c.1290
one child

Anna of Saxe-Wittenberg
after 6 July 1315
seven children

Agnes of Lindow-Ruppin (I)
After 1324
no children
21 January 1329
Sternberg
aged 61-62
c.1270
Second son of Henry I and Anastasia of Pomerania
1271 – 27 May 1289Helena of Rügen
3 November 1288
one child
27 May 1289
Poel
aged 18-19
c.1250
Son of Pribislaus I
1275 – 1288Lordship of Parchim-Richenberg
(at Białogard only)
Catherine of Pomerelia
1269
two children
1316
aged 65-66
In 1288, he was deposed by the Duke of Pomerania, who took the fief for himself.
Białogard annexed to Pomerania
c.1235
First son of Nicholas I and Judith of Anhalt
14 May 1277 – 1286Lordship of Werle
(at Prisannewitz)
Unmarriedc.1286
aged 50-51?
Children of Nicholas I, ruled jointly until 1281, when they divided their inheritance. Henry I was assassinated by his own sons, an act that, according to the law of the family, disinherited them from the main portion of his father.
c.1240
Second son of Nicholas I and Judith of Anhalt
14 May 1277 – 8 October 1291Lordship of GüstrowRicheza of Sweden
1262
three children

Matilda of Brunswick-Lüneburg (I)
1291
no children
8 October 1291
Saal
aged 50-51?
c.1245
Third son of Nicholas I and Judith of Anhalt
14 May 1277 – 15 October 1283Lordship of ParchimSophia of Lindow-Ruppin
before 1275
six children
15 October 1283
aged 37-38?
Werle and Prisannewitz divided between Parchim and Gustrow; Gustrow (with exceptions) annexed to Parchim
c.1240
Son of Henry Borwin III and Sophia of Sweden
1 August 1278 – 9 November 1282Lordship of RostockAgnes of Holstein-Kiel
before 1262
three children
9 November 1282
aged 41-42
Regency of Agnes of Holstein-Kiel (1282-1284)Children of Valdemar, ruled jointly. From 1285 Nicholas was already ruling alone. He died without male heirs. His inheritance went to Henry II of Mecklenburg.
c.1260
First son of Valdemar and Agnes of Holstein-Kiel
9 November 1282 – c.1285Lordship of RostockUnmarriedc.1285
aged 24-25?
c.1260
Second son of Valdemar and Agnes of Holstein-Kiel
c.1285
aged 24-25?
1272
Third son of Valdemar and Agnes of Holstein-Kiel
9 November 1282 – 25 November 1314Margaret of Pomerania-Wolgast
1299
one child
25 November 1314
aged 41-42
Rostock was definitely annexed to Mecklenburg
Regency of Helena of Rügen and/or Anastasia of Pomerania and/or Henry II, Lord of Mecklenburg (1289-1302)Daughter of John III, she is referred in sources as owning, not only Dorser, but also Poel, like her grandmother; she possibly co-ruled with her at the island. In 1318, her uncle, Henry II, sold her inheritance to the Bailiwick of Bukow.
c.1289
Daughter of John III and Helena of Rügen
27 May 1289 – 22 November 1318Lordship of Mecklenburg
(at Dorser; in Poel since 1317, or before[12])
Gerhard II, Count of Hoya
1302
no children

Adolph (VII), Count of Holstein-Segeberg
1315
no children

Gunther II, Count of Lindow-Ruppin
1318
no children
1352
aged 62-63
Poel and Dorser sold to the Bailiwick of Buków
Henry IIc.1270
First son of Henry I and Richeza of Sweden
8 October 1291 – 1307Lordship of Güstrow
(at Penzlin)
Beatrice of Pomerania
before 1290
two children
1307
aged 36-37
Disinherited after murdering their father, they received a small lordship in Penzlin. After Henry's death with no descendants, Penzlin was annexed to Parchim.
Nicholasc.1270
Second son of Henry I and Richeza of Sweden
8 October 1291 – 1298Unmarried1298
aged 27-28
Penzlin was definitely annexed to Parchim
c.1270
First son of John I and Sophia of Lindow-Ruppin
15 October 1283 – 8 October 1291Lordship of ParchimRicheza of Denmark
1292
two children

Matilda of Brunswick-Lüneburg (II)
after 1308
no children
18 February 1316
near Güstrow
aged 45-46
In 1291 reunited most of Werle.
8 October 1291 – 18 February 1316Lordship of Werle
c.1270
Second son of John I and Sophia of Lindow-Ruppin
18 February 1316 – 27 August 1337Lordship of GüstrowMatilda of Brunswick-Grubenhagen
1311
four children
27 August 1337
Brother and son of Nicholas II, respectively, divided their inheritance.
c.1290
Son of Nicholas II and Richeza of Denmark
18 February 1316 – 1352
(only de jure from 1350)
Lordship of GoldbergMatilda of Pomerania
20 January 1317
three children

Richardis
before 1350
two children
1352
aged 61-62
c.1290
Daughter of Ulrich I, Count of Lindow-Ruppin and Adelaide of Schladen
21 January 1329 – 9 May 1343Lordship of Mecklenburg
(at Sternberg[13])
Vitslav III, Prince of Rügen
1310
three children

Henry II, Lord of Mecklenburg
After 1324
no children

Rudolf I, Duke of Saxe-Wittenberg
1333
three children
9 May 1343
Wittenberg
aged 52-53
Children of Henry II, divided their inheritance. Henry's widow, Agnes, received the seat at Sternberg, where her husband was residing. In 1347, Mecklenburg and Stargard were elevated to Duchies.
Council of Regency (1329-1336)
c.1318
Schwerin
First son of Henry II and Anna of Saxe-Wittenberg
21 January 1329 – 18 February 1379Lordship of Mecklenburg
(until 1347)

Duchy of Mecklenburg
(from 1347)
Euphemia of Sweden
10 April 1336
five children

Adelheid of Hohenstein
after 1370
no children
18 February 1379
Schwerin
aged 60-61
John Ic.1326
Schwerin
Second son of Henry II and Anna of Saxe-Wittenberg
21 January 1329 – 9 February 1393Lordship of Stargard
(until 1347)

Duchy of Stargard
(from 1347)
Rixa
no children

Anna of Holstein-Pinneberg
before 1358
one child

Agnes of Lindow-Ruppin (II)
1358
five children
9 February 1393
Stargard
aged 66-67
Sternberg was annexed to Stargard
Nicholas III the Stammerer[14] c.1315
First son of John II and Matilda of Brunswick-Grubenhagen
27 August 1337 – 1361Lordship of GüstrowAgnes of Mecklenburg
6 January 1338
two children

Matilda of Holstein-Plön
after 1341
one child
1361
aged 45-46?
Children of John II, divided their inheritance.
c.1320
Second son of John II and Matilda of Brunswick-Grubenhagen
27 August 1337 – 1382Lordship of WarenElisabeth of Holstein-Plön
1341
three children
1382
aged 61-62?
Nicholas IV the Pig-Eyed[15] c.1320
Son of John III and Matilda of Pomerania
1352 – 1354
(ruling de facto as regent since 1350)
Lordship of GoldbergAgnes of Lindow-Ruppin (II)
6 January 1346
three children
1354
aged 33-34?
Regency of Albert II, Duke of Mecklenburg and Nicholas III, Lord of Werle-Gustrow (1354-1360)Left no descendants. The lordship was inherited by his sister.
1346?
Son of Nicholas IV and Agnes of Lindow-Ruppin (II)
1354 – 1374Lordship of GoldbergUnmarried1374
aged 27-28
c.1340
First son of Nicholas III and Agnes of Mecklenburg
1361 – 1394Lordship of GüstrowMatilda, Lady of Goldberg
c.1375
three children
1394
aged 53-54
Children of Nicholas III, ruled jointly. Lorenz ruled, from 1374, half of Goldberg with his wife, as it was her inheritance.
c.1350?
Second son of Nicholas III and Agnes of Mecklenburg
1361 – 1378Euphemia of Mecklenburg
c.1375
no children
1378
aged 27-28?
c.1350?
First daughter of Nicholas IV and Agnes of Lindow-Ruppin (II)
1374 – 1402Lordship of GoldbergLorenz, Lord of Güstrow
c.1375
three children
1402
aged 51-52?
Heiresses of their brother, their inheritances and marriages divided Goldberg between the Waren and Güstrow lines[16] Both were dead by the end of 1402.
c.1350?
Second daughter of Nicholas IV and Agnes of Lindow-Ruppin (II)
John VI, Lord of Waren
c.1375
four children
1402
aged 51-52?
Goldberg was divided between Waren and Güstrow
1337
Mecklenburg
First son of Albert II and Euphemia of Sweden
18 February 1379 – 24 April 1383Duchy of Mecklenburg
(part 1)[17]
Ingeborg of Denmark
1362
four children

Matilda of Werle-Waren
26 February 1377
no children
24 April 1383
Schwerin
aged 45-46
Children of Albert II, co-ruled jointly, but possibly in different parts of Mecklenburg. Albert III associated his eldest son Eric to his own part of Mecklenburg. Albert III's swedish ascendance allowed him to succeed as King of Sweden between 1364 and 1389.
1338
Mecklenburg
Second son of Albert II and Euphemia of Sweden
18 February 1379 – 1 April 1412Duchy of Mecklenburg
(part 2)
Richardis of Schwerin
1365
two children

Agnes of Brunswick-Lüneburg
12/13 February 1396
Schwerin
one child
1 April 1412
Doberan Abbey
aged 73-74
c.1360
Son of Albert III and Richardis of Schwerin
1396 – 16 July 1397Sophie of Pomerania-Wolgast
12/13 February 1396
Schwerin
no children
16 July 1397
Klintehamn
aged 36-37
c.1345
Mecklenburg
Third son of Albert II and Euphemia of Sweden
18 February 1379 – 1 September 1384Duchy of Mecklenburg
(part 3)
Elizabeth of Pomerania-Wolgast
after 1362
two children
1 September 1384
aged 38-39
c.1345
Son of Bernard II and Elisabeth of Holstein-Plön
1382 – 1395Lordship of WarenAgnes, Lady of Goldberg
c.1375
four children
c.1395
aged 49-50
Ruled with his wife in half of Goldberg (her inheritance) since 1374.
c.1360
Son of Henry III and Ingeborg of Denmark
24 April 1383 – December 1388Duchy of Mecklenburg
(part 1)
Elisabeth of Holstein-Rendsburg
before 1388
no children
December 1388
aged 27-28
Claimed the Danish throne after the death of Valdemar IV of Denmark. Left no children. His part of the co-rulership was probably divided between the other two.
align=center colspan=8Part 1 of Mecklenburg divided between Parts 2 and 3
Regencies of John I, Duke of Stargard (1384-1393) and John II, Duke of Stargard (1393-1395)
c.1370
Son of Magnus I and Elizabeth of Pomerania-Wolgast
1 September 1384 – 16 October 1422Duchy of Mecklenburg
(part 3)
Jutta von Hoya
before 1415
no children

Catherine of Saxe-Lauenburg
1416
two children
16 October 1422
Schwerin
aged 51-52
c.1360
First son of John I and Agnes of Lindow-Ruppin (II)
9 February 1393 – 9 October 1416Duchy of Stargard
(at Sternberg)
Wilheida Catharina of Lithuania
1388
three children
9 October 1416
Sternberg
aged 55-56
Sons of John I, divided their inheritance.
c.1360
Second son of John I and Agnes of Lindow-Ruppin (II)
9 February 1393 – 8 April 1417Duchy of Stargard
(at Stargard proper)
Margaret of Pomerania-Stettin
before 1400
three children
8 April 1417
Neustrelitz
aged 56-57
c.1360
Third son of John I and Agnes of Lindow-Ruppin (II)
9 February 1393 – 1397Unmarried1397
Dorpat
aged 36-37
c.1375
First son of John VI and Agnes of Werle-Goldberg
1395 – 1408Lordship of WarenSophie of Pomerania-Wolgast
after 1397
one child
1408
aged 32-33
Sons of John VI, ruled jointly. After Christopher's death, Waren went to Gustrow.
c.1380
Second son of John VI and Agnes of Werle-Goldberg
1395 – 25 August 1425Unmarried25 August 1425
Pritzwalk
aged 44-45
Waren was definitely annexed to Güstrow
c.1375
First son of Lorenz and Matilda of Werle-Goldberg
1394 – 5 April 1421Lordship of GüstrowEuphemia of Mecklenburg
18 October 1397
no children

Helvig of Holstein-Rendsburg
18 April 1417
no children
5 April 1421
aged 45-46?
Children of Lorenz, ruled jointly. William reunited Werle, but left no descendants. Werle went to Mecklenburg.
c.1375
Second son of Lorenz and Matilda of Werle-Goldberg
1394 – 1414Catherine of Saxe-Lauenburg
before 1414
no children
1414
aged 38-39?
c.1375
Third son of Lorenz and Matilda of Werle-Goldberg
1394 – 25 August 1425Lordship of GüstrowAnna of Anhalt
1422
no children

Sophia of Pomerania-Barth
after 1426
one child
8 September 1436
near Güstrow
aged 60-61?
25 August 1425 – 8 September 1436Lordship of Werle
Werle (with exceptions) was definitely annexed to Mecklenburg
Regency of Agnes of Brunswick-Lüneburg (1412-1415)
1397
Son of Albert III and Agnes of Brunswick-Lüneburg
1 April 1412 – 16 October 1423Duchy of Mecklenburg
(part 2)
Margaret of Brandenburg
1423
no children
16 October 1423
aged 25-26
align=center colspan=8Part 3 of Mecklenburg annexed to Part 2
1389
Son of John II and Wilheida Catharina of Lithuania
9 October 1416 – 1438Duchy of Stargard
(at Sternberg)
Luttrud of Anhalt-Köthen
before 1438
no children
1438
aged 48-49
After his death with no descendants, Sternberg returned to Stargard property.
align=center colspan=8Sternberg annexed to Stargard
c.1400
Stargard
First son of Ulrich I and Margaret of Pomerania-Stettin
8 April 1417 – 4 October 1423Duchy of Stargard
(at Stargard proper)
Unmarried4 October 1423
Stargard
aged 21-22
Children of Ulrich I, ruled jointly.
Henry the Elder[18] [19] c.1405
Schwerin
Second son of Ulrich I and Margaret of Pomerania-Stettin
8 April 1417 – 1466Judith of Werle-Waren
before 1427
no children

Ingeborg of Pomerania-Stolp
after 1427
two children

Margaret of Brunswick-Lüneburg
1452
two children
1466
Stargard
aged 60-61
Regency of Albert V, Duke of Mecklenburg (1422-1423) and Catherine of Saxe-Lauenburg (1422-1436)Sons of John IV, reunited the parts held by the coregency period (1379-1423).
Henry IV the Fat1417
First son of John IV and Catherine of Saxe-Lauenburg
16 October 1422 – 9 March 1477Duchy of Mecklenburg
(part 3 until 1423; all 3 parts since 1423)
Dorothea of Brandenburg
May 1432
seven children
9 March 1477
aged 59-60
1418
Second son of John IV and Catherine of Saxe-Lauenburg
16 October 1422 – 1442Anna of Pomerania-Stettin
17 September 1436
no children
1442
aged 23-24
Regency of Sophia of Pomerania-Barth (1436-1439?)Inherited the possessions of her mother (who lived at Barth after William's death), possibly even owing them with her. The claim was made official after the agreement between Sophia and her Mecklenburg relatives in 1441.[20]
1427
Daughter of William and Sophia of Pomerania-Barth
8 September 1436 – 13 January 1480Lordship of Werle
(at Barth, Zingst and Damgarten)
Ulrich II, Duke of Stargard
1454
two children
13 January 1480
aged 52-53
Barth, Zingst and Daumgarten were annexed to Mecklenburg or returned to Pomerania
1442
Daughter of Frederick II, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg and Magdalene of Brandenburg
1466 – 8 April 1512Duchy of Stargard
(at Plau am See)
Henry, Duke of Stargard
1452
two children
8 April 1512
Wienhausen
aged 69-70
Heirs of Henry. While the dispute over Margaret's dower seat lasted until her death, she saw the end of her husband's line of descendants, as her stepson Ulrich left no male heirs: Stargard was reunited to Mecklenburg.
c.1425
Stargard
Son of Henry and Ingeborg of Pomerania-Stolp
1466 – 13 July 1471Duchy of Stargard
(at Stargard proper)
Catharina of Werle
1454
two children
13 July 1471
Stargard
aged 52-53
Stargard and Plau am See was definitely annexed to Mecklenburg
John VI1439
Second son of Henry IV and Dorothea of Brandenburg
1471 – 1474Duchy of Güstrow
(separation from the Duchy of Mecklenburg)
Unmarried1474
Kulmbach
aged 34-35
He was assigned by his father, in 1471, the duchy of Güstrow, as a separate, but dependent feud of Mecklenburg. After his death without descendants, he was succeeded by another brother.
1439
First son of Henry IV and Dorothea of Brandenburg
align=center style="background:#fde;"1474 – 9 March 1477Duchy of GüstrowCatherine of Lindow-Ruppin
1466 or 1468
no children
16 February 1483
aged 44-45
Surviving heirs of Henry IV, ruled jointly (Albert was ruling Güstrow separately since 1474).
9 March 1477 – 16 February 1483Duchy of Mecklenburg
(with Gustrow)
1441
Third son of Henry IV and Dorothea of Brandenburg
9 March 1477 – 20 November 1503Sophia of Pomerania-Stettin
29 May 1478
seven children
20 November 1503
Wismar
aged 61-62
Balthasar1451
Fourth son of Henry IV and Dorothea of Brandenburg
13 January 1480 – 16 March 1507Unmarried16 March 1507
Wismar
aged 55-56
Güstrow was annexed to Mecklenburg
Henry V the Peaceful3 May 1479
Schwerin
First son of Magnus II and Sophia of Pomerania-Stettin
20 November 1503 – 6 February 1552Duchy of SchwerinUrsula of Brandenburg
12 December 1505
three children

Helen of the Palatinate
12 June 1513
Wismar
three children

Ursula of Saxe-Lauenburg
14 May 1551
Schwerin
no children
6 February 1552
Schwerin
aged 72
Children of Magnus II, ruled jointly with their uncle until 1507, and still together until 1520, when a new inheritance division was made.
3 September 1483
Schwerin
Second son of Magnus II and Sophia of Pomerania-Stettin
20 November 1503 – 22 December 1508Duchy of MecklenburgUnmarried22 December 1508
Schwerin
aged 25
Albert VII the Handsome25 July 1486
Schwerin
Third son of Magnus II and Sophia of Pomerania-Stettin
20 November 1503 – 7 January 1547Duchy of GüstrowAnna of Brandenburg
17 January 1524
Berlin
ten children
7 January 1547
Schwerin
aged 60
Regency of John Albert I, Duke of Güstrow (1552-1557)Mentally disabled, ruled under regency of his cousin.
12 September 1514
Schwerin
Son of Henry V and Helen of the Palatinate
6 February 1552 – 4 January 1557Duchy of SchwerinUnmarried4 January 1557
Güstrow
aged 42
John Albert I23 December 1525
Güstrow
Second son of Albert VII and Anna of Brandenburg
7 January 1547 – 4 January 1557Duchy of GüstrowAnna Sophia of Prussia
24 February 1555
Wismar
three children
12 February 1576
Schwerin
aged 50
Children of Albert VII. John Albert, inherited Güstrow, but also held regency for his disabled cousin in Schwerin. After the latter's death, John Albert occupied Schwerin and left Güstrow to his brother Ulrich. Therefore, both duchies were ruled, from then on, by descendants of Albert VII. Also, a duchy at Gadebusch was created for a third son, Christopher.
4 January 1557 – 12 February 1576Duchy of Schwerin
5 March 1527
Schwerin
Third son of Albert VII and Anna of Brandenburg
4 January 1557 – 14 March 1603Duchy of GüstrowElizabeth of Denmark
14 February 1556
one child

Anna of Pomerania-Wolgast
9 December 1588
Wołogoszcz
no children
14 March 1603
Güstrow
aged 76
5 March 1527
Augsburg
Seventh son of Albert VII and Anna of Brandenburg
4 January 1557 – 4 March 1592Duchy of Güstrow
(at Gadebusch)
Dorothea of Denmark
27 October 1573
Kolding
no children

Elisabeth of Sweden
7 May 1581
Stockholm
one child
4 March 1592
near Brüel
aged 54
align=center colspan=8Gadebusch reannexed to Güstrow
7 March 1558
Güstrow
First son of John Albert I and Anna Sophia of Prussia
12 February 1576 – 22 March 1592Duchy of SchwerinSophia of Holstein-Gottorp
17 February 1588
three children
22 March 1592
Stargard
aged 34
Children of John Albert I, divided their inheritance.
11 November 1560
Schwerin
Second son of John Albert I and Anna Sophia of Prussia
12 February 1576 – 5 September 1600Duchy of Schwerin
(at Neustrelitz, Mirow and Ivenack)
Clara Maria of Pomerania-Barth
7 October 1593
Barth
three children
5 September 1600
Ivenack
aged 39
align=center colspan=8Neustrelitz, Mirow and Ivenack reannexed to Schwerin
1 June 1569
Gottorf
Daughter of Adolph, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp and Christine of Hesse
22 March 1592 – 14 November 1634Duchy of Schwerin
(at Lübz, Rehna and Wittenburg)
John VII
17 February 1588
three children
14 November 1634
Schwerin
aged 65
Received a widow seat, and in 1603, held regency for her sons. After her death the seats returned to the main duchy.
Regencies of Ulrich III, Duke of Güstrow and Sigismund Augustus, Duke of Strelitz (1592-1603) and Sophia of Holstein-Gottorp (1603-1608)In 1628, the Emperor Ferdinand II deposed him and took his fiefs from him, but he was reinstated in 1631. In the period 1628-1631 the duchy was ruled by Albrecht von Wallenstein.
15 December 1588
Schwerin
First son of John VII and Sophia of Holstein-Gottorp
22 March 1592 – 1628

1631 – 27 February 1658
Duchy of SchwerinAnna Maria of East Frisia
4 September 1622
eight children

Maria Catharina of Brunswick-Dannenberg
1635
eleven children
27 February 1658
Schwerin
aged 69
28 December 1540
Neustadt
Eighth son of Albert VII and Anna of Brandenburg
14 March 1603 – 22 July 1610Duchy of GüstrowUnmarried22 July 1610
Neustadt
aged 69
Last son of Albert VII, also left no descendants.
5 May 1590
Waren
Second son of John VII and Sophia of Holstein-Gottorp
22 July 1610 – 1628

1631 – 23 April 1636
Duchy of GüstrowMargaret Elizabeth of Mecklenburg-Güstrow
9 October 1608
four children

Elizabeth of Hesse Kassel
25 March 1618
Kassel
no children

Eleonore Marie of Anhalt-Bernburg
7 May 1626
Güstrow
five children
23 April 1636
Güstrow
aged 45
A new line from Schwerin was installed at Gustrow. In 1628, the Emperor Ferdinand II deposed him and took his fiefs from him, but he was reinstated in 1631. In the period 1628-1631 the duchy was ruled by Albrecht von Wallenstein.
Regency of Adolph Frederick I, Duke of Schwerin (1636-1654)His male heirs predeceased him. The majority of his lands rejoined Mecklenburg.
26 February 1633
Güstrow
Second son of John Albert II and Eleonore Marie of Anhalt-Bernburg
23 April 1636 – 6 October 1695Duchy of GüstrowMagdalena Sibylla of Holstein-Gottorp
28 December 1654
eleven children
6 October 1695
Güstrow
aged 62
align=center colspan=8Güstrow (with exceptions) annexed to Schwerin
1 December 1623
Schwerin
Son of Adolph Frederick I and Anna Maria of East Frisia
27 February 1658 – 21 June 1692Duchy of SchwerinChristine Margaret of Mecklenburg-Güstrow
21 February 1640
no children

Élisabeth Angelique de Montmorency
3 March 1664
no children
21 June 1692
The Hague
aged 68
Children of Adolf Frederick I, divided the land. AS Christian left no descendants, he was succeeded by his brother Frederick's son.
13 February 1638
Schwerin
First son of Adolph Frederick I and Maria Catharina of Brunswick-Dannenberg
27 February 1658 – 28 April 1688Duchy of Schwerin
(at Grabow)
Christine Wilhelmine of Hesse-Homburg
28 May 1671
four children
28 April 1688
Grabow
aged 50
align=center colspan=8Grabow annexed to Schwerin
Frederick William28 March 1675
Grabow
First son of Frederick and Christine Wilhelmine of Hesse-Homburg
21 June 1692 – 31 July 1713Duchy of SchwerinSophie Charlotte of Hesse-Kassel
2 January 1704
Kassel
no children
31 July 1713
Mainz
aged 38
Reunited the majority of Gustrow under Schwerin, but ceded Strelitz to his uncle, Adolph Frederick II, in 1701.
14 November 1631
Gottorf
Daughter of Frederick III, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp and Marie Elisabeth of Saxony
6 October 1695 – 22 September 1719Duchy of Güstrow
(at Güstrow only)
Gustav Adolph
28 December 1654
eleven children
22 September 1719
Güstrow
aged 87
Possible heiresses of Gustav Adolph. Magdalena Sibylla, as widow, kept a seat at Güstrow, which joined her late husband's patrimony into Schwerin after her death. Her daughter Maria possibly held Strelitz, once it was part of Güstrow and was, from 1701, settled as her husband's capital.
19 July 1659
Güstrow
Daughter of Gustav Adolph and Magdalena Sibylla of Holstein-Gottorp
6 October 1695 – 16 January 1701Duchy of Güstrow
(possibly at Neustrelitz only)
Adolph Frederick II
23 September 1684
Güstrow
five children
16 January 1701
Neustrelitz
aged 41
align=center colspan=8Güstrow annexed to Mecklenburg-Schwerin; Neustrelitz annexed to Mecklenburg-Strelitz
19 October 1658
Grabow
Sixth son (posthumous) of Adolph Frederick I and Maria Catharina of Brunswick-Dannenberg
6 October 1695 – 8 March 1701Duchy of Güstrow
(possibly at Neustrelitz)
Maria
23 September 1684
Güstrow
five children

Joanna of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg
20 June 1702
no children

Christiane Emilie of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen
10 June 1705
Neustrelitz
two children
12 May 1708
Neustrelitz
aged 67
Married the (possible) heiress of Strelitz, and in 1701 was given a whole duchy with capital at this town.
8 March 1701 – 12 May 1708Duchy of Strelitz
7 June 1686
Neustrelitz
Son of Adolph Frederick II and Maria of Mecklemburg-Güstrow
12 May 1708 – 11 December 1752Duchy of StrelitzDorothea of Holstein-Plön
16 April 1709
Reinfeld
two children
11 December 1752
Neustrelitz
aged 66
Children of Adolphus Frederick II, divided their inheritance.
23 February 1708
Neustrelitz
Son of Adolph Frederick II and Christiane Emilie of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen
12 May 1708 – 5 June 1752Duchy of Strelitz
(at Mirow)
Elisabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen
5 February 1735
Eisfeld
ten children
5 June 1752
Mirow
aged 44
align=center colspan=8Mirow reannexed to Strelitz
26 November 1678
Grabow
Second son of Frederick and Christine Wilhelmine of Hesse-Homburg
31 July 1713 – 28 November 1747
(only de jure from 1728)
Duchy of SchwerinSophia Hedwig of Nassau-Dietz
27 May 1709
Leeuwarden
no children

Christine von Lepel
7 June 1710
Doberau
(morganatic; annulled 2 October 1711)
no children

Catherine Ivanovna of Russia
19 April 1716
Danzig
one child
28 November 1747
Dömitz
aged 69
Deposed in 1728 by the Aulic Council in Vienna in favour of his brother Christian Louis II, for incapacity. His daughter was Anna Leopoldovna, regent of Russia (1740-1741).
15 November 1683
Grabow
Third son of Frederick and Christine Wilhelmine of Hesse-Homburg
28 November 1747 – 30 May 1756
(ruling de facto as regent since 1728)
Duchy of SchwerinGustave Caroline of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
13 November 1714
five children
30 May 1756
Schwerin
aged 73
Regency of Elisabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen (1752-1753)Left no heirs. He was succeeded by his brother.
5 May 1738
Mirow
First son of Charles Louis and Elisabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen
11 December 1752 – 2 June 1794Duchy of StrelitzUnmarried2 June 1794
Neustrelitz
aged 56
9 November 1717
Schwerin
Son of Christian Louis II and Gustave Caroline of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
30 May 1756 – 24 April 1785Duchy of SchwerinLouise Frederica of Württemberg
2 March 1746
Schwedt
four children
24 April 1785
Ludwigslust
aged 56
His heirs died in infancy and was succeeded by his nephew.
10 December 1756
Schwerin
Son of Louis of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Charlotte Sophie of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld
24 April 1785 – 1 February 1837Duchy of Schwerin
(until 1815)

Grand Duchy of Schwerin
(from 1815)
Louise of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg
1 June 1775
Gotha
six children
1 February 1837
Ludwigslust
aged 56
Son of Louis, brother of Frederick II. In 1815 was raised to Grand Duke.
10 October 1741
Mirow
Second son of Charles Louis and Elisabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen
2 June 1794 – 6 November 1816Duchy of Strelitz
(until 1815)

Grand Duchy of Strelitz
(from 1815)
Frederica of Hesse-Darmstadt
18 September 1768
Darmstadt
ten children

Charlotte of Hesse-Darmstadt
28 September 1784
Darmstadt
one child
6 November 1816
Neustrelitz
aged 75
Elevated to Grand Duke in 1815.
12 August 1779
Hanover
Son of Charles II and Frederica of Hesse-Darmstadt
6 November 1816 – 6 September 1860Grand Duchy of StrelitzMarie of Hesse-Kassel
12 August 1817
Kassel
four children
6 September 1860
Neustrelitz
aged 81
15 September 1800
Ludwigslust
Son of Frederick Louis of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Elena Pavlovna of Russia
1 February 1837 – 7 March 1842Grand Duchy of SchwerinAlexandrine of Prussia
25 May 1822
Berlin
no children
7 March 1842
Schwerin
aged 41
Grandson of Frederick Francis I.
Frederick Francis II28 February 1823
Ludwigslust
Son of Paul Frederick and Alexandrine of Prussia
7 March 1842 – 15 April 1883Grand Duchy of SchwerinAugusta Reuss of Middle Köstritz
3 November 1849
Ludwigslust
six children

Anne of Hesse and by Rhine
4 July 1864
Darmstadt
one child

Marie of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt
4 July 1868
Rudolstadt
four children
15 April 1883
Schwerin
aged 60
17 October 1819
Neustrelitz
Son of George and Marie of Hesse-Kassel
6 September 1860 – 30 May 1904Grand Duchy of StrelitzAugusta of the United Kingdom
28 June 1843
London
two children
30 May 1904
Neustrelitz
aged 84
19 March 1851
Ludwigslust
Son of Frederick Francis II and Augusta Reuss of Middle Köstritz
15 April 1883 – 10 April 1897Grand Duchy of SchwerinAnastasia Mikhailovna of Russia
24 January 1879
Saint Petersburg
three children
10 April 1897
Cannes
aged 46
Regency of John Albert of Mecklenburg (1897-1901)Forced to abdicate in 1918, after the end of World War I.
9 April 1882
Palermo
Son of Frederick Francis III and Anastasia Mikhailovna of Russia
10 April 1897 – 14 November 1918Grand Duchy of SchwerinAlexandra of Hanover and Cumberland
7 June 1904
Gmunden
five children
17 November 1945
Flensburg
aged 63
22 July 1848
Neustrelitz
Son of Frederick William and Augusta of the United Kingdom
30 May 1904 – 11 June 1914Grand Duchy of StrelitzElisabeth of Anhalt
17 April 1877
Dessau
four children
11 June 1914
Berlin
aged 65
17 June 1882
Neustrelitz
Son of Adolph Frederick V and Elisabeth of Anhalt
11 June 1914 – 23 February 1918Grand Duchy of StrelitzUnmarried23 February 1918
Neustrelitz
aged 35
Committed suicide in 1918, before the end of World War I.

Bibliography

External links

Notes and References

  1. "Fürsten und Gutsherren..."
  2. Wigger, p. 121
  3. Die Ortsgeschichte von Dobbertin
  4. "Von der Reformation..."
  5. http://www.heraldica.org/topics/royalty/HGMecklenburg.htm House Laws of Mecklenburg
  6. From 1256 in Białogard only.
  7. Sometimes called Mecklenburg-Schwerin, as the dukes moved their capital to this city in 1358. Between 1379-1423, Mecklenburg was possibly divided in three parts.
  8. Goldberg was partitioned between Waren and Güstrow.
  9. Despite the division being made official by Schwerin in 1701, Strelitz was part of Gustrow, probably separating as early as 1695.
  10. Wigger (1885)
  11. Wigger (1885)
  12. Wigger (1885)
  13. Wigger (1885)
  14. See Nugent (1769). Alternatively called Staveleke.
  15. Wigger (1885). Alternatively called Poogenooge in sources.
  16. Wigger (1885), p.249-50.
  17. See Wigger (1885), p.172-179. It's not known how Henry III, Albert III and Magnus divided Mecklenburg between them, or even if they did it. Even if they ruled together, it's possible that they had different seats, similar to what happened in previous generations of the family. For the case of Henry III, relating to the tournament where he got fatally injured, a document from the Continuator General refers, 20 years later, as Hinricus hastiludiis intendedens in curia sua Wismer, which could or not point to Wismar as a possible seat for Henry III (and eventually his son as well), even if he died in Schwerin. For Albert, given that he married the heiress of Schwerin, it is more plausible for him to have ruled from that location. In the case of Magnus, there are mentions of Grevesmühlen as a bailiwick associated to him as property.
  18. Nugent (1769).
  19. Alternatively called Gaunt, which may have other significance.
  20. E. Rymar, Rodowód książąt pomorskich, p. 376.