Counts of Louvain



The Counts of Louvain (French) or of Leuven (Dutch) were the rulers of the County of Louvain. Near the end of the tenth century, the County of Louvain emerged when granted to Lambert I of the House of Reginar by the German Emperor. Originally limited by the rivers Demer, Dijle and Velp, that is more or less the region known today as Hageland, the County of Louvain rapidly increased in size and power. After his marriage with Gerberga, the daughter of the Duke of Lower Lorraine, Lambert I incorporated the County of Brussels; in 1013, Lambert I annexed the Duchy of Bruningrode, located around Tongeren.

They acquired great influence in the Holy Roman Empire and acquired more titles over time. In 1183, they were created Dukes of Brabant. The county of Louvain was absorbed into the duchy of Brabant.

Counts of Louvain and Brussels

 * 1003–1015 : Lambert I, was the first Count of Louvain, son of Reginar III Count of Hainaut
 * 1015–1038 : Henry I, (son of Lambert I)
 * 1038–1040 : Otto
 * 1040–1054 : Lambert II, (son of Lambert I)
 * 1054–1079 : Henry II, (son of Lambert II)
 * 1079–1086 : Henry III, (son of Henry II)

Counts of Louvain and Brussels, Landgraves of Brabant

 * 1086–1095 : Henry III, (son of Henry II)
 * 1095–1106 : Godfrey I, (son of Henry II)

Counts of Louvain and Brussels, Landgraves of Brabant, Dukes of Lower-Lorraine

 * 1106–1128 : Godfrey I, (son of Henry II)
 * 1128–1141 : Godfrey II, (son of Godfrey I)
 * 1141–1190 : Godfrey III, (son of Godrey II)

From 1183 onwards the titles of Count of Louvain, Count of Brussels and Landgrave of Brabant were merged in the title of Duke of Brabant and used as appanages.