This paper focuses on the complicated relations between medieval towns and the ruling elites in what is now Belgium and the Netherlands. It is illustrated by the uprising that broke out against the local elected bishop John III of Bavaria in Liège and was bloodily suppressed. Even though John succeeded in controlling Liège by force, he abandoned the town and its surrounding area when he was offered a very uncertain possibility of governing elsewhere a few years later. This is thus one of many examples in which there is no proper settlement of relations between the ruler and the town in this area.
Elisabeth of Görlitz, granddaughter of Charles IV, married Anthony, Duke of Brabant. After his death at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, she was forced to take care of her own well-being while being yet again embroiled in Luxembourg’s politics. This study will therefore focus on the period of time the young widow attempted to cope with her new life situation, maintain a good political and economic position and find a new husband.
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