The Battle of Worringen

By Crusader1307

Now part of Cologne (Germany), the Battle centered around the control for The Duchy of Limburg (a State controlled by The Holy Roman Empire). As had started so many medieval Battles and Wars, the last Duke of Limburg died without leaving an heir. The Duchy fell to the Duke's daughter. To legitimize her reign, she married Reginald I of Guelders (now Gelderland). With no Heirs after 1 year of marriage between the two, Reginald declared himself Duke of Limburg. Unknown to the new Duke, his wife's Father had a nephew (Adolf III). He had been eyeing the Duchy for himself as well. When Reginald's Wife died in 1283, all parties concerned advanced their petitions to rule. Adolf, unable to get his claim recognized, sold it to The Duke of Brabant. Brabant's Dukedom was an honorific title, so when the chance came to lay claim to The Duchy, he moved on it. The 8 County-States of Limburg's noble houses refused to recognize the claim.

The noble houses began to align themselves against the Duke. He himself had the backing of 9 County-States from his Region as well. Adding insult to injury, many County-States took the opportunity to declare their independence from Papal control (specifically the Archbishop of Cologne). Further, with control of the Duchy up in the air, Rome too set their eyes on getting control. Enter Siegfried II. The stage, so to say - was set. In May of 1288, a massive Luxemborg Army advanced on Cologne. The show of arms was too much for Reginald (who quickly sold his claim to Henry of Luxemborg.) This move angered Brabant, who began to assemble his Armies. The Armies would meet at Worringen. Henry of Luxemborg's Army numbered around 4,200 troops (mostly Armored Cavalry and Footmen). Brabant had slightly more troops at 4,800 (mostly Footman and less numbers of Mounted Knights). In true medieval fashion, Brabant met Henry (and his two brothers on the field of battle). Brabant killed all 3. Siegfried attempted to turn the tide, but his forces were slow to respond. He would be taken prisoner by Brabant. The Duke had won. Cologne would become independent of Holy Roman control. Brabant would add even more territory to his Kingdom (and have a genuine title). To ensure the peace, Brabant would marry into the Luxemborg Royal line.