Counts of Stade

The principal sources for the Counts of Stade are the Deeds of the Saxons[1] by Widukind of Corvey, the Annals of Fulda,[2] the anonymous Annalista Saxo,[3] and Chronicon Thietmari[4] by Thietmar of Merseburg.

The Counts of Stade were: The precise dates of reign are confusing from 1106 until 1135, as the rightful heir Henry IV was not yet of age and the nondynastic Frederich was brought in.

The family tree of the descendants of Lothar II and their relationships with the House of Billung, in particular with Wichmann, can be found in Warner’s book on Ottonian Germany.

After the death of Rudolf II in 1144, his brother and successor Hartwig transferred his inheritance to the archbishopric of Bremen in return for a regrant of a life interest, presumably to obtain a powerful protector against the aggression of Henry the Lion.

The move was ineffective, as Henry took possession of the lands and captured both Hartwig and the archbishop Adelbero, releasing them only after they agreed to recognize his claim.