Lamoral, Count of Egmont

Lamoral, Count of Egmont (November 18, 1522 – June 5 1568) was a general and statesman in Flanders just before the start of the Eighty Years' War.

Related Topics:
November 18 - 1522 - June 5 - 1568 - Flanders - Eighty Years' War

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The Count of Egmont descended from one of the richest and most influential families in the Low Countries. He was a cousin of the king of Spain through his mother's side. During his youth, he received a military education in Spain. In 1542, he inherited the estates of his brother Charles in Holland. His wealth increased again by his marriage to Sabina, Duchess of Bavaria in 1544.

Related Topics:
Count - Low Countries - King - Spain - 1542 - Holland - Sabina, Duchess of Bavaria - 1544

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In the service of the Spanish army, he defeated the French in the battles of Saint-Quentin (1557) and Gravelines (1558). Egmont was appointed stadtholder of Flanders and Artesia in 1559.

Related Topics:
Saint-Quentin - 1557 - Gravelines - 1558 - Stadtholder - Artesia - 1559

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As a nobleman, Egmont was a member of the Council of State. Together with William of Orange and the Count of Hoorn he protested against the introduction of the inquisition in Flanders by cardinal Antoine Perrenot Granvelle, bishop of Arras. Egmont even threatened with his resignation, but after Granvelle left, there was a reconciliation with the king. In 1565, Egmont went to Philip II, the king of Spain, to plead for a change of policy in the Netherlands.

Related Topics:
William of Orange - Count of Hoorn - Inquisition - Antoine Perrenot Granvelle - Philip II - Policy

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Shortly after, the Iconoclasm started, and the resistance against the Spanish rule in the Netherlands increased. As a devout catholic, Egmont deplored the iconoclasm, and he remained faithful to the Spanish king.

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After Philip II sent the Duke of Alva to the Netherlands, William of Orange decided to flee Brussels; Egmont and Hoorne decided to stay in the city. After his arrival, Alva almost immediately had the counts of Egmont and Hoorne arrested, and they were accused of treason. Even though Egmont remained faithful to the king until the last moment, he was condemned to death, together with Count Hoorne.

Related Topics:
Duke of Alva - Brussels

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On June 5, 1568, both men were decapitated on the Grote Markt in Brussels. Their death led to large protests in the Netherlands, and contributed to the resistance against the Spaniards. The Count of Egmont lies buried in Zottegem.

Related Topics:
Decapitated - Zottegem

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The Count of Egmont is the main character in a play by Goethe, Egmont.

Related Topics:
Goethe - Egmont

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