Heinrich Rantzau – Dominicus Custos, Atrium Heroicum…, Vol. 3, Augsburg 1601 (Source: Heidelberger digitale Bestände, Public Domain, https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.30785#0079)

Heinrich Rantzau (1526-1598) is undoubtedly one of the most significant early modern figures in the history of Schleswig-Holstein. As a member of the Holstein nobility, a counselor and deputy to the Danish king, and a humanistically educated scholar, he played a key role in shaping and influencing the 16th century in the duchies. Traces of his impact can still be found throughout the region today, especially in Bad Segeberg, where he worked for decades and achieved a remarkable career.

1526

Birth at Steinburg

On March 11, Heinrich Rantzau is born at Steinburg, south of Itzehoe. He is the eldest son of Johann Rantzau (1492–1565), a military commander and advisor to the Danish king, and his wife Anna Walstorp (c. 1510–1582).

1538

Studies in Wittenberg

At the age of twelve, Heinrich’s parents send him to study in Wittenberg, the center of the Reformation. At the university, where Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon teach, he receives a comprehensive academic education. The Latin skills he acquires there will serve him throughout his life, enabling him to write letters, poems, and books in the scholarly language of the time.

1548

At the Court of Charles V

As part of the retinue of Duke Adolf I of Gottorf, a loyal ally of the emperor, Heinrich Rantzau spends six years at the court of the Catholic Emperor Charles V. He accompanies the monarch on his travels and military campaigns, gaining valuable experience in the realms of high politics and courtly life.

1554

Royal Danish Counselor

Upon returning to his homeland, Heinrich Rantzau, like his father before him, enters the service of the Danish King Christian III. As a royal counselor, he regularly reports on political conditions and events across Europe in his “Relations,” gaining significant influence over the kingdom’s policies.

1554

Marriage

In the same year, he marries Christine von Halle (1533–1603). She brings a substantial dowry of 400,000 guilders into the marriage. The union produces twelve children (five sons and seven daughters).

Christine von Halle with Granddaughter Anna von Ahlefeldt 1592 – Breitenburg

1555

Bailiff of Segeberg

The Danish king appoints Heinrich Rantzau as the Bailiff of Segeberg. He is responsible for administering justice and collecting taxes in the king’s Segeberg estates.

1556

Govenor for the King

Heinrich Rantzau is appointed Governor of the Danish King for the royal territories in the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. This position represents the highest offices a Holstein noble could attain at the time.

1558

Frederick II Becomes King of Denmark

After the death of Christian III, his son Frederick becomes King of Denmark. Heinrich Rantzau remains his close friend and trusted confidant for 30 years.

Friedrich II. König von Dänemark und Norwegen – D. Custos, Atrium Heroicum…, Vol. 4, Augsburg 1602 (Source: Heidelberger digitale Bestände, Public Domain, https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.30786#0021)

1559

Campaign Against Dithmarschen

Together with his two uncles, Dukes Adolf of Gottorf (see 1548) and Johann of Haderslev, Danish King Frederick II leads a campaign against Dithmarschen, a free peasant republic that had long successfully defended its independence. With the active support of Johann and Heinrich Rantzau, they succeed in defeating the Dithmarschers and dividing the land among themselves. Following this so-called “Last Feud,” Schleswig-Holstein enters a 60-year period of peace, which only ends during the Thirty Years’ War.

1580

Awarding of the Order of the Elephant

Due to his exceptional services as a royal advisor and diplomat, Heinrich Rantzau is awarded the Order of the Elephant – the highest honor the Danish king can bestow.

1588

Christian IV Becomes King of Denmark

After the death of Frederick II, his son Christian becomes King of Denmark. Until his coming of age in 1596, the widowed Queen Sophie of Mecklenburg assumes the regency. The relationship between Heinrich Rantzau and the court in Copenhagen begins to deteriorate.

1591

Draft of a "General Peace"

Heinrich Rantzau drafts a plan for a general peace across Europe based on freedom of conscience and religious tolerance. The plan is considered visionary, but it fails as Rantzau is unable to gain the support of the opposing powers, particularly Catholic Spain and Protestant Netherlands.

1598

Resignation of All Offices and Death

After disagreements with the Danish court, Heinrich Rantzau resigns from all his offices and retreats to Breitenburg. There, he dies on New Year's Eve 1598/99. He is laid to rest in the Laurentius Church in Itzehoe.