Frank van Borssele

Who is Frank van Borssele?

Frank II of Borssele was a 15th-century Zeelandic nobleman.

He was stadhouder of Holland and Zeeland, but is mainly known as the fourth husband of countess Jacqueline of Holland. He was the son of Floris van Borssele and Oda van Bergen, Lord of Sint Maartensdijk, Scherpenisse and Zuylen. He was the last legitimate representative of the younger branch of the Borssele family.

After succeeding her father, Jacqueline of Hainaut's authority was challenged by her uncle John III in the 1420s. In her place, her second husband John IV, Duke of Brabant appointed John III as ruler of Holland and Zeeland. From late 1421 to early 1423 Frank van Borssele played an essential role in the financial government of the county, as he was a loyal supporter of John III and Philip the Good. In 1422/23 he was alderman of Count John III and official governor of the country.

The height of his power, however, were the years 1426 to 1432. Philip the Good had taken over the position of regent of Holland and Zeeland after the death of John III and on 21 March 1426 Frank was appointed by Philip the Good as General and Grandcaptain of Zeeland.