Gertrude of Brunswick

Who was Gertrude of Brunswick?

Gertrud of Brunswick was a member of the Brunonen dynasty and the Margravine of Meissen.

Gertrude was the daughter of Egbert I, Margrave of Meissen, and Irmgard of Susa. She was married to Count Dietrich II of Katlenburg. In 1090, after the childless death of her older brother Ekbert, last of the male Brunonen, she inherited the Brunonen seat of Brunswick. When her husband died, she acted as regent for their son Dietrich III.

Gertrude later married again, this time to Count Henry the Fat of Northeim. Their daughter Richenza of Northeim married Lothar of Süpplingenburg, Duke of Saxony and future Holy Roman Emperor. He received the Brunonen's seat at Brunswick. After his death, she again acted as regent, this time for her second son Otto III of Northeim.

Gertrude's third husband was the Wettin Henry I of Eilenburg, the Margrave of Meissen. Their son, Henry II was born after his death in 1103. She was one of the leaders of the insurrections against Henry IV, the Holy Roman emperor, and his son Henry V. She protected the interests of her sons and Henry II later secured the family's authority over the Margraviate of Meissen.