Frederick, Duke of Lower Lorraine

Who was Frederick, Duke of Lower Lorraine?

Frederick, Duke of Lower Lorraine, also known as Frederick of Luxembourg was the count of Malmedy from 1035 and Duke of Lower Lorraine from 1046. He was a younger son of Frederick, Lord of Gleiberg, and Ermentrude, and grandson of Siegfried, Count of Luxembourg, hence his name.

In 1044, Gothelo I, dukes of both Lorraines, died and his eldest son, Godfrey, succeeded in only the upper duchy while the Emperor Henry III first threatened to give the other duchy to his younger brother, Gothelo II. Because of the rebellion of Godfrey, Henry III appointed Frederick, a relative of the reigning duke of Upper Lorraine, Adalbert.

With the aid of Adalbero III, Bishop of Metz, his brother, Frederick imposed his authority in the duchy and made war on the continuing rebel Godfrey. He was loyal to the emperor, but unsuccessful in the field and Henry began parcelling out portions of the duchy to more capable warriors. He died in war with Anno II, Archbishop of Cologne, afer which King Henry IV gave the duchy to Godfrey.

His first wife was Gerberga, daughter of Eustace I, Count of Boulogne. They had a daughter named Jutta, who married Waleran, Count of Arlon. His second wife was Ida, daughter of Bernard II, Duke of Saxony, who remarried with Albert III, Count of Namur, on Frederick's death.