1516-22 Regent Dowager Duchess Margarethe von Münsterberg
Widow of Ernst and regent for Johannes II (1504-16-51). She lived (1473-1530).

1693-96-1708 Regent Dowager Princess Henriëtte Katharina von Oranje-Nassau
She was widow of Fürst Johann Georg III (1627-60-93) and regent for son, Leopold I (The old Dessauer). She did not ask for Imperial confirmation of her regency, but the Landesstände (Local Estaes) payed homage to her (Hüldigung). She lived (1676-93-1747).

1706-54 Temporary in charge of the Government Anna Luise Föse
Her husband, Leopold I (The Old Dessauer) spend much of his reign away as officer in the army of Brandenburg, and she was left in charge of the government and reigned with insight and intelligence. She was daughter of a chemist and against the opposition of his mother, Henriëtte Catharina; they had married in 1798, when he took over the government after his mother's regency, which had lasted from 1683. In 1701 years she was given the rank of a Princess of the Realm (Reichsfürstin) legitimizing their children. Mother of 10 children, she lived (1677-1754).

Anhalt-Zerbst 
Member of the Secular Bench of the Council of Princes in the Imperial Diet. The vote was split among the different Anhalt Principalities. Also member of the Upper Saxon Circle Estate (Regional Assembly)

1621-42 Guardian Dowager Duchess Magdalena von Oldenburg of Anhalt-Zerbst (Germany)
1621-57 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Administrative Office and Castle of Coswig
Her husband, Rudolf (1576-1603-21), died shortly after the birth of her son, Johan, and her brother-in-law, August von Anhalt-Köthen-Plötzkau (1575-1653), was named regent. Because of the upheavels during the Thirty Years War she had to leave Zerbst and seek refuge with her children in Wittenberg until she moved to Oldenburg with her children in 1633 and lived by her brother, Anton Günther, and they did not move back until Zerbst until 1642. In 1646 she and her son were named heirs of the Lordships Jever and Knyphausen after her childless brother. Her son inherited the title in 1667. The mother of 2 daughters and a son, she was daughter of Graf Johann XVI. von Oldenburg (1540-1603) and Elisabeth von Schwarzburg (1541-1612), and lived (1585-1657).

1667-74 Regent Dowager Duchess Sophie Auguste von Holstein-Gottorp of Anhalt-Zerbst (Germany)
1778-80 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Castle and Administrative Unit of Coswig
She and her daughter, Sophia Augusta, survied the smallpox but her husband, Johann, died. She was named regent for their son, Carl Wilhelm, who was Duke of Anhalt-Zerbst, Duke of Sachsen, Angaria and Westphalia, Count of Ascania, Lord of Bernburg, Zerbst, Jever and Knyphausen. After her son came of age, she withdrew to her dorwy, but the following year she suffered a number of strokes and fevers and had to endure months of suffering before she died. The mother of 14 children of whom 5 survied into adulthod, she lived (1630-80).

1747-52 Regent Dowager Duchess Johanna Elisabeth von Holstein-Gottorp
After the death of her husband, Christian August (160-42-47), she was regent for son, Friedrich-August, who was Duke of Anhalt-Zerbst, Duke of Sachsen, Angaria and Westphalia, Count of Ascania, Lord of Bernburg, Zerbst, Jever and Knyphausen. Her daughter later became Catharina II of Russia, and inherited Jever after the death of her brother in 1793. Johanna Elisabeth lived (1712-60). 


Arenberg (Also see Marck)
The Duchy of Arenberg had a seat on the Secular Bench of the Imperial Diet and was Member of the College of the Counts of Westphalia, which had one joint vote in the Council of Princes of the Imperial Diet. Also member of the Electoral Rhenish Circle Estate (Regional Assembly)

1537-99 Sovereign Countess Margarete von der Marck
1576-99 Sovereign Princess-Countess (By the Grace of God, Princess and Countess of Arenberg)
Also known as Marguerite de La Marck d'Arenberg, she succeeded her brother, Robert III, as the sole heir of the Dutch Hause van der Marck. She was married to Jean de Ligne, Baron de Barbancon, who was named Reichsgraf von Arenberg in 1549 - he died in battle in 1568, and Margaretha vigorously defended her territory from invading forces. In 1571 emperor Maximillian II confirmed the "Reichsunmittelbarkeit" - or semi-independence - of the realm and in 1576 both she and her son were granted the title of Reichsfürst/in. She was given the right to mint her own money, and though she was of Dutch birth, she was very preoccupied with the governing of her German realm. Among others she fought against witch-hunts and backed industry and education. She lived (1527-99).

1691-1711 Possible Regent Dowager Duchess Donna Maria Enrietta del Caretto de Savona y Grana of Arenberg
1728-42 Guardian and Administrator of Bergen op Zoom and Walhain (The Netherlands)
After the death of Philippe Charles François de Ligne, 3rd Herzog von Arenberg, Duc d'Aerschot, (1663-91) she might have been the person who was regent for son Leopold Philippe, Duke of Arenberg, Duc d'Aerschot (1691-54), who married Donna Maria Francesca Pignatelli, Duchessa di Bisaccia, Countess van Egmond (1696-1766). Apparently she acted as regent for her great-grandson Karel Philip Theodoor van Sulzbach (b.1724) after the death of her grand-daughter, Maria Henriëtte de la Tour d'Auvergne and was known as "the Dowager van Arenberg" during this period. Karl Philip became elector of Bavaria in 1777. He died in 1799 as the last Marquis of Bergen op Zoom. She was also known as Maria Enrichetta, and was Daughter of Ottone Enrico, Field Marshal of the Empire, Governor and General Captain of the Netherlands from 1682, and succeeded him to the titles of Titluar Marchesa di Savona y Grana, Countess of Millesimo, Lady and Co-Lady of Roccavignale, Co-Lady of Cosseria, Dame  di Casaleggi in 1685, and lived (1671-1744).


Aspel

1013-85 Sovereign Countess Irmgard
Also known as Saint Irmgard von Köln, the documents show her as Reigning Countess, and after her parents died, she distributed her wealth among hospitals, churches and social institutions. She lived a simple life in solitude and went on three pilgrimages to Rome. She spend her last years in Köln, where she supported Chapters and Convents. She lived (1000-85).

Baden-Baden
The Margravate had a seat on the Secular Bench of the Imperial Diet and Member of the Bench of the Secular Princes of the Swabian Circle Estate (Regional Assembly)

1475-93 Reigning Dowager Lady Katharina von Österreich of the Administrative Office and Castle of Hohenbaden
Widow of Margrave Karl I von Baden (1453-75), who was succeeded by their oldest son, Christoph I, who build the "New Castle" and left the old one for his mother as her residence and dowry. Among her other 5 children was Margareta, Abbess in Lichtenthal, who lived (1452-95). Katharina lived (1423-93).

1570-79 Regent and Guardian Maria Jacobäa von Baden
Together with her son, Duke Albrecht V von Bayern (1528-79), she was guardian for her grandson, Margrave Philipp II von Baden-Baden (1559-69-99) after the death of both his parents, Philibert (1536-54-69) and Mechtild von Bayern (1532-65) (Her daughter). Philbert, had inherited Baden-Baden from his father, Bernhard III who was her uncle, and who had inherited his share of the state when her father died as she was his only child. The other share was inherited by her other uncle Ernst I, and their decendants;  Christoph, Philipp and Karl von Baden-Durlach claimed the regency, but she had already recieved the homage by the Estates and inhabitants of the margravate ("die Erbhuldigung eingenommen") and was confirmed as regent by the Emperor. She lived (1507-80).

1707-27 Regent Dowager Margravine Sibylla Augusta von Sachsen-Lauenburg
1728-33 Reigning Dowager Lady of the City and Castle of Ettlingen
She was barely 15 as she became the wife of "Türkenlouis", Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm von Baden-Baden (1655-1707). She brought large Bohemian possessions to the marriage and she was extremely appreciative of art. During the minority of her son she was joint Ruler with two others. She lived (1675-1733).

 
Baden-Durlach

1577-84 Head of the Regency Government Dowager Margravine Anna von der Pfalz-Veldenz
After the death of her husband, Karl II (1553-77) she was regent for her sons together with Elector Ludwig VI. von der Pfalz and Duke Ludwig von Württemberg. The 2 oldest sons were Markgraf Ernst Friedrich von Baden-Durlach and, Markgraf Jakob von Baden-Hachberg. The third son, Georg Friedrich inherited the whole territory in 1604. She was daughter of Pfalzgraf Ruprecht von Veldenz and Ursula, Wild- und Rheingräfin von Daun-Kyrburg und Salm and mother of 8 children, and lived (1540-77)

Baden-Hocberg zu Durlach
The Margravate had a seat on the Secular Bench of the Imperial Diet and Member of the Bench of the Secular Princes of the Swabian Circle Estate (Regional Assembly)

1738-42 Regent Dowager Margravine Magdalene Wilhelmine von Württemberg
After the death of her husband, Margrave Karl II Wilhelm (1679-38) she became regent for her grandson, Karl Friedrich (1728-1811), together with another regent. Karl Friedrich who later became Elector of Baden and then Grand Duke was son of her second son, Friedrich (1703-32) and Anna Charlotte Amalie von Nassau-Dietz (1710-77). Magdalene Wilhelmine lived (1677-1742).


Baden-Rodemachern

After 1575-86 Regent Dowager Margravine Cecilia Vasa
Also known as Cäcilia Wasa  was allowed totake over the regency after many years of processes against the stipulation in the the will of her husband, Christoph II of Baden (1537-75). Her son, Eduard Fortunatus von Baden (1565-1600) was Margrave of Baden-Baden (1588-96). She lived a stormy life and travled a lot. She spend a year in London, where her oldest son was born, and became a friend of Queen Elizabeth I. At some point she lived at her dowry Arboga in Sweden where she started an iron-mine and was behind piracy at the Baltic sea. When Eduard Fortunatus died, his oldest son Wilhelm was only 7. He did not become Margrave of Baden-Baden until 1621 and it is not clear if either Cecilia or her daughter-in-law, Marie von Eichen (d. 1636), played any role during his minority. Apart from her oldest son she was mother of 5 sons who all were unmarried or died young. The daughter of King Gustav I Vasa of Sweden and his second wife Margareta Eriksdotter Leijonhufvud, and lived (1540-1627).

Ecclesiastical Territory of Baindt (gefürstete Damenstift Baindt - Princely Ladies Chapter) (In Baden-Württemberg) (See Germany Ecclesiastical Territories)

Bautzen-Oberlausitz

1243-90 Hereditary Countess Beatrix von Böhmen
Oldest daughter of King Wenzel I of Bohemia and Kunigunde von Schwabien, she was given the rich dowries of Bautzen and Oberlausitz around Görlitz and Bautzen for her marriage to Margrave Otto III of Brandenburg (1215-67). She was mother of two daughters and four sons, and lived (1225-90).

Bayern (Bavaria) 
Member the Council of Electors of the Imperial Diet

748-54 Regent Dowager Princess Hiltrude
For Tassilo. She was daughter of Karl Martel

955-66 Regent Dowager Duchess Judith von Bayern
She was the daughter of Duke Arnulf of Bavaria. Married to Heinrich, a son of Heinrich I of Germany, who became duke of Bavaria in 948. After his death, she was regent for their son, Heinrich II with the title Dux et domina. 966-74 she was on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and afterwards she retired to the Chapter of Niedermünster in Regensburg. (d. after 985). 

1055-61 Hereditary Duchess Agnes de Pointou of Bavaria  
1056-62 Regent Dowager Empress of the Holy Roman Empire
She was descended from the royal houses of Burgundy and Italy, the daughter of William V of Aquitaine and Poitou, she became the second wife of the German king Henry III in 1043. They were crowned Holy Roman Emperor and Empress by Clement II in 1046. After her husband's death she acted as Regent for her son, Heinrich IV (1050-?) She was not an experienced politician and was influenced by the nobility to part with the duchies of Bavaria and Carinthia, and entered into unwise alliances against the dominant reforming party in the Papacy. By 1062 discontent led to an uprising in which Anno, Archbishop of Köln, took over the regency. Agnes retired to a convent where she remained until her death. She lived (1024-77).

Until 1130 Duchess Judith)
First wife of Friedrich II Hohestaufen, Duke of Schwaben und Franken

1183-92 Regent Dowager Princess Agnes van Loon  

1294-98/1300 Joint Guardian and Co-Regent Dowager Duchess Mechtild von Habsburg of Upper-Bavaria 
1294-1304 Lady of Vohberg, Neuburg, Burglengenfeld, Reidenburg, Ingolstadt, Aichach, Landsberg and the other Bavarian Cities in the Schwäbische Land 
After the death of her husband, Duke Ludwig II von Bayern (1229-94) her oldest 19 year old son, Rudolf, claimed the right to be guardian and regent for the youngest son, Ludwig of Upper-Bavaria - later king of the German Realm under the name of Ludwig IV - but Mechtild did not accept this, and she continued to intervene in the affairs of state, and contemporary sources states that "her rule was good and masculine". Mother and oldest son continued to be at odds and in 1302 she was arrested by Rudolf and brought to München, where she signed an agreement promising never to interfere in the government again, but as soon as she was outside the boarders of Bavaria she declared the agreement null and void, and got the support of her brother, Albrecht von Habsburg, her younger son and many others. She was daughter of the German King Rudolf I von Habsburg and Gertrud Anna von Hohenberg, was mother of five children, and lived (1253-1304).

1417-36 Duchess Jacqueline zu Holland
In Holland known as Jacobäa.

1568-75 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Christine von Lothringen of the City of Friedberg and Administrative Unit and Castle of Höckeringen in Bayern
After she took up residence at the castle, the city of Friedberg became the center of the court life and in the next years it experienced a major boom until it was devestated by the plauge in 1599 and it was destroyed twice during the Thirty Years War. She was former Regent of Lorraine, Princess of Denmark and mother-in-law of Wilhelm V, married to Renata von Lothringen.

1651-54/58 Regent Dowager Electress Maria Anna von Habsburg of Bavaria 
1654-65 Reigning Dowager Lady of the City of Friedberg and Administrative Unit and Castle of Höckeringen
After the death of her husband, of Kurfürst Maximillian I, she was regent for their son Kurfürst Ferdinand Maria (1636-51-79). She lived (1610-65).

1658-76 Politically Influential Electress Henriette Adelheid de Savoie
She had a strong influence over her husband Ferdinand Maria (1636-79), which lead to the alliance between Bavaria and France against the Habsburgs. She was mother of 7 children, and lived (1636-76).

1704-05 Regent Dowager Princess Palatine (Kurfürstin) Therese Kunigunde Sobieska
For Maximilian II. She lived (1676-1730)

1722-45 Politically Influential Electress Maria Amalia von Habsburg
1743-45 Influential in the Holy Roman Empire 
She was married to elector Karl Albrecht of Bavaria, and was a passionate hunter, loved parties and politics. She was daughter of Emperor Josef I and Amalie Wilhelmine von Braunschweig-Lüneburg and even though she had accepted the Pragmatic Solution, she did claim parts Habsburg Inheritance after the death of her uncle in 1740, but her cousin, Maria Theresia refused this. Maria Amalia's husband was elected emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, though, in 1742, as Karl VII. Maria Amalia supported her husband in the Austrian Succession-war, but after his death, she advised her son, Maximilian III Josef to make peace and compromise with Vienna. Her sister, Maria Josepha, was very influential as Queen of Poland from 1733. Maria Amalia lived (1701-56).

1745-90 Politically influential Duchess Maria Anna von der Pfalz-Sulzbach
As a leading member of the Anti-Austrian Patriotic Group at the Court of Munich, she played a leading role in the continued existence of the Electorate Bavaria as an unified state. Her husband, Herzog Clemens Franz de Paula, was the nephew of Elector and Emperor Karl Albrecht VII. After the death of the emperor in 1745 Maria Anna entered the political scene. She managed to persuade the new Elector, Maximillian III Joseph, to adopt a policy of neutrality. During the 7 year war, (1756–1763), during which Bavaria sided with France-Austria, she took up contact with Friedrich II von Preußen, and they engaged in a heavy correspondence. After Elector Max III Joseph died in 1777, the Bavarian throne was inherited by Elector Karl Theodor von der Pfalz. He seemed to be inclined to accept Emperor Joseph IIs claims on parts of the state, but Maria Anna advocated for a continued united Bavaria, and found an ally in Friedrich II, who took part in the succession-war in 1778-79. She was also one of the leading forces of a the Bavarian-Dutch movement for exchange of lands in 1784/85, and she therefore supported Friedrich IIs "Prince-Union Project" of 1785 and was able to secure the continued existence of the united Electorate of Bavaria. She lived (1722-90).

1886-1912 Politically Influential Dowager Duchess Adelgunde von Bayern di Modena
From 1875, After the death of her husband Archduke Francesco V of Austria-Este, who had abdicated as reigning Duke of Modena in 1859 due to the Italian Unification, she mainly lived in Munich. From 1886 onwards she came to prominence when her brother Luitpold took over the Regency of Bavaria. They were referred to as 'Aunt Modena' and 'Poldi', and were an inseparable couple. Adelgunde had a great influence on her brother; together with Luitpold's daughter, Therese, she performed many social duties at Luitpold's side. Although regarded as plain and old-fashioned, she was nevertheless feared. Both the Bavarian ministers and the government in Berlin distrusted her as she was regarded to be the Habsburg influence in Munich. Mother of one child, Anna Beatrice, who lived (1848-49). Adelgunde lived (1823-1914).

Bayern-Inglofstadt

1445-65 Reigning Dowager Lady Margarete von Brandenburg of the City of Friedberg
After the death of her husband, Duke Ludwig VIII of Bayern-Inglofstadt (1403-45) she kept her father-in-law, Ludwig VII (1365-1447) imprisoned at the Neuburg in order to use him as exchange for the damage payment demanded by her brother, Albrecht Achilles of Brandenburg-Ansbach until Heinrich the Rich of Bayern payed the ransum. She kept her residence at Neuburg even though her dowry was at the Castle of Friedberg, and she died in Landshut. (d. 1465).

Bayern-Landshut/Niederbayern
Member of the Imperial Diet

1393-1404 Regent Dowager Duchess Maddalena Visconti of Lower Bavaria
After the death of her husband, Friedrich, Duke of Bayern-Landshut (1375-1393), she was regent for their son Heinrich XVI the Rich (1386-93-1450). She was daughter of Lord Barnabas Visconti of Milano and Beatrix della Scala di Verona, and lived (Ca. 1366-1404).

1503-04 Duchess Regnant Elisabeth
Succeeded father, lived (1478-1504).


Bayern-München
Member of the Imperial Diet

1508-10 Regent Dowager Duchess Kunigunde von Habsburg of Bavaria-Munich
She married Albrecht IV of Bayern-München (1467-1508) against the will of her own father, Emperor Friedrich III, and joint regent for son Wilhelm IV (1493-1508-50). She later joined the Pütrich-Convent which she favoured. In spite of the resignation from the court she tried to influence the politics of the state as she acted in favour of the rights of her younger sons. She was in close contact with her brother, Emperor Maximilian I von Habsburg, and with other rulers and relatives in Europe. She was a political player in her own right and not only a "instrument" of her family. She lived (1465-1520).

Beichlingen 
1078-... Hereditary Countess Kunigunde von Meissen 

Around 1100 Hereditary Countess Mechtild of Kiev

Bedburg

1459-79 Margarethe von Limburg, Heiress of Bedbur and Hakenbroich
Daughter of Wilhelm I, Count von Limburg (d. 1459) and Metza von Reifferscheid (d. 1437) , and married to Gumprecht II von Neuenahr (d, 1484).

Bentheim-Steinfurt (Friesland)
The County was Member of the College of the Counts of Westphalia, which had one joint vote in the Council of Princes of the Imperial Diet. Also the County of Hoya had a vote in the College. Both Bentheim and Steinfurt had a vote in the Lower Rhenish-Westphalian Circle Estate (Regional Assembly).

1149-65 Administrator Gertrud von Nordheim of Bentheim and Rheineck
Politically influential in in the Pfalzgrafschaft of the Rhine from 1113. After her first husband, Count Siegfred von Ballenstedt, Pfalzgraf bei Rhein was killed in battle, she fought for the inheritance of their sons Count Siegfried zu Orlamünde (d. 1124) and Wilhelm, Pfalzgraf bei Rhein (d. 1140), aided by her second husband, Count Otto von Rheineck (d. 1150). Her third son Otto II von Rheineck was killed in 1149, and therefore she administered his inheritance as her own fiefs until her death, and had nothing more to do with the County Palantine by the Rhine. She managed to have her daughter Sophie named Heiress of the County of Bentheim. Gertrud was daughter of Heinrich the Fat of Northeim and Gertrud von Braunschweig, sister of Empress Richenza, and lived (ca. 11190-before 1165). 

Ca. 1165-76 Countess Regnant Sofia von Rheineck
Succeeded mother and married to Dirk VI of Holland. Her second son, Otto, succeeded her around 1166. (d. 1176)

1466-80 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Countess Katharina von Gemen of the Office and Castle of Gronau
She was widow of Arnold I. von Bentheim-Steinfurt, but resigned in 1480. She lived (after 1439-1502).

1553-67 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Countess Walburga von Brederode  of the Office and Castle of Gronau
Already recieved the castle as her personal income in 1537, and when her husband, Arnold II. von Bentheim-Steinfurt, died, she took up residence there. After her death, Agnes von Tecklenburg and Agnes von Bentheim-Steinfurt were in dispute over the posession until 1571. She lived (1512-67).

1562-73 Regent Dowager Countess Anna von Tecklenburg-Schwerin of Bentheim
1566-72 Regent of Steinfurt-Wevelinghoven and Granau
Succeeded father, Konrad von Tecklenburg-Ibbenbüren as Sovereign Countess of Tecklenburg und Rheda in 1557, and married to Everwin III von Götterswich, Graf von Bentheim-Steinfurt (1536-62). After his death, she was regent in Bentheim and after the death Arnold III, also regent in Steinfurt. In 1580 she handed over Tecklenburg and Rheda to her son, Arnold IV, and lived (1532-82).

1603-1605 Reigning Dowager Lady Walburga von Bentheim-Steinfurt of Gronau in Bentheim
After the death of her husband, Count Hermann I zu Wied, she was regent for their son, Johann Wilhelm (ca. 1580-1633) in Wied 1591-1603. After he came of age, she took over her dowry in her "native" Bentheim. Mother of 3 sons and 3 daughters and lived (1555-1628).

1610-12 Regent Dowager Countess Magdalena von Neuenahr-Alpen of Bentheim-Steinfurt 
In her own right Sovereign Countess of Neuenahr und Limburg, Hereditary Marshall of the Diocese of Köln, Lady of Alpen, Helpenstein and Lennep 1602-27. She inherited Neuenahr und Limburg from her half-sister, Amelia who had inherited it from her half brother in 1575. The territory of her husband was occupied by troops from Köln, and it was not until four years after the death of her husband, Arnold III, that she was able to take over the regency for her son, Konrad Gumprect von Bentheim-Steinfurt (1585-1618). She remained influential to her death. Magdelena lived (1551-1627).
 
1618-54 Regent Dowager Countess Johannetta Elisabeth von Nassau-Katzenelnbogen of Bentheim- Limburg und Burg
Widow of Count Conrad Gumprecht, she was regent for son Wilhelm, who died in 1626, and then for his successor - a nephew - Count Moritz von Bentheim-Tecklenburg-Rheda. She was in charge of in Limburg and Burg during the Thirty Years War, which left the county devastated. In 1633 she had to flee to her sister's residence in Fürstenau, and the same year the county was hit by plague. She returned in 1637 and managed to keep the county within the Bentheim family. She lived (1592-1654). 

1632-1660 Reigning Dowager Lady Anna Elisabeth von Anhalt-Dessau of Gronau
Widow of Wilhelm Heinrich von Bentheim-Steinfurt, and lived (1598-1660)

1674-95 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Countess Johanna Dorothea von Anhalt-Dessau of Gronau
She was widow of Moritz zu Bentheim-Tecklenburg (1615-74), and she lived (1612-95).

1710-18 Regent Dowager Countess Christiane Marie Hedwig zur Lippe zu Brake of Bentheim-Tecklenburg Steinfurt and Limpurg, Lady of Linge, Rheda, Wefflinghoffen, Hoya Alpen und Helffenstein, Hereditary Guardian of Cöllin 
Second wife of Friedrich Moritz zu Bentheim-Tecklenburg (1653-1710) and regent for son her only son Moritz Kasimir I (1701-68). In official documents she used the title "wittiben Grafin zu Bentheim, Tecklenburg, Steinfurt und Limburg, Frau zu Linge, Rheda, Wefflinghoffen, Hoya Alpen und Helffenstein, Erb Voigtin Zu Cölln, gebohren Gräfin und Edle Fraue Zur Lippe, Confirmirte Vormünderin und Regentin pp." She lived (1669-1738).

1713-24 Regent Dowager Countess Isabella Justina van Hoorn of Bentheim und Steinfurt
The widow of Count Ernst (1661-93-1713), she was regent for Friedrich Belgicus Karl (1703-13-33), and lived (1661-1734).

1733-38 (†) Regent Dowager Countess Franziska Charlotte zur Lippe-Detmold
After the death of her husband, Friedrich Belgicus Karl (1703-13-33), she was regent for son Karl von Bentheim-Steinfurt, Count of Steinfurt and Alpen. After her death the regency was taken over by some of her late husband's relatives. She lived (1703-38)

Berg und Kleve
Until it was incorporated in other Principalities, it had a vote in the Imperial Diet and was Member of the Imperial Circle Estate of Niederrheinisch-Westfälischer Reichskreis

1218-48 Hereditary Countess Irmgard
She was daughter of Adolf V and Bertha von Sayn. After her father's death Archbishop Engelbert II of Köln took over as regent. In 1217 she married Count Heinrich von Luxembourg-Limburg and they clamed the county in 1225, and her they were recognized as her father's rightful successors, something which curtailed the power of the bishop. She lived (ca. 1200-48).

1260-1314 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Countess Margarete von von Are-Hostaden of the County of Hückeswagen
Wife of Adolf IV. von Berg (1246-59). Daughter of Count Lothar I von Are-Hochstaden and Mathilde von Vianden, mother of 5 sons and 1 daughter, and lived (1214-1314).

 
1305-18 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Countess Margaretha von Kiburg of the Linner Land (Burg Linn bei Krefeld) in Berg 
Widow of Dietrich VIII von Kleve and resigned the lordship in favour of her younger son, Johann, when she joined the Convent of Bedburg in Kleve.

1348-84 Countess Regnant Margarta
Succeeded father, ruled with several co-regents  

 
1368-84 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Countess Mechtild von Geldern of the Linner Land (Burg Linn bei Krefeld) in Berg
First married to Godert von Leon, Herr von Millen und Eyck and secondly to Johann I Graf von Kleve, and appointed Amtmann Heinrich von Stünkede to take care of her interests. She lived (ca. 1325-84)

1806-08 Co-Duchess Regnant Caroline Bonaparte
Her brother, Napoleon I appointed her Duchess of Berg together with husband Joachim Murat, who became king of Napoli and The Two Sicilies (1808-15). She lived (1782-1839).

Blankenheim
Blankenstein and Gerolstein was Member of the Imperial Circle Estate (Regional Assembly) of Westphalia

1415 Hereditary Countess Elisabeth von Blankenheim-Gerolstein und Kasselburg
Her father, Gerhard VII died in 1406 and the territory was administered by her uncle, Prince-Bishop Friedrich von Utrecht until his death in 1415. Her husband Wilhelm I. von Loon of the house of Heinsberg, then came in possession of the County. 

1468-69 De Facto Reigning Dowager Countess Marie von Croÿ
She managed to keep control of the territory for a period after her husband, Wilhelm von Blankenheim, had been killed in battle, but in the end had to give in to her in-laws. At first she pretended to be pregnant, and then petitioned Duke Charles von Burgund for aid and assistance. In 1471 her marriage to Wilhelm von Vierneburg ended the feud.

1468-70 Claimant Elisabeth von Schleiden of the County of Blankenheim
The daughter of Johanna von Blankenheim and Johann von Scheiden, she claimed the County after her cousin, Wilhelm von Blankenheim, had been killed in battle, without leaving any heirs. Elisabeth's son Dietrich von Manderscheid came in possession of the territories Blankenheim and Gerolstein in 1470, but the disagreements with other branches of the family continued for many years. 

Until 1794 Countess August von Sternberg-Blankenheim
In 1794 she fled the county for attacking French forces.

Blieskastel

1775-93 Regent Dowager Countess Maria Anna von Dalberg
Generally known as Marianne von der Leyden she became regent for son after the death of her husband, Reichsgraf Franz Karl von der Leyden und zu Hohengeroldseck. Her son came of age in 1791, but she continued to be in charge of the government. She supported the economic development and introduced social reforms, reformed the schools and in 1786 she abolished the serfdom. In 1793 she had to flee the French troops after having initially managed to keep a neutral position. She died in exile in Frankfurt am Main, and lived (1745-1804).


Bogen-Windberg

1197-1204 Regent Dowager Countess Ludmilla of Bohemia
 When her first husband, Adalbert IV died of the wounds received in the a crusade, their three sons; Berthold III (ca. 1190-1218), Liutpold, Provost in Regensburg (d. 1221) and Adalbert V. (d. 1242), were still minors and she was in charge of the county. Six years later he married Duke Ludwig I. von Bayern (1174-1231), the former enemy of her husband, who took great care of her sons, and secured their inheritance. In her second marriage she was mother of Duke Otto II. of Bayern (1206-53). She was daughter of Duke Friederich of Bohemia and Elisabeth of Hungary, and lived (ca. 1170-1240).

Brandenburg
Member of the Council of Electors in the Imperial Diet

1220-25 Regent Dowager Margravine Mechtild von der Lausitz

1319-20 Regent Dowager Margravine Agnes von Bayern
She was widow of Heinrich I, who reigned after 1293 until 1308/09 and died 1318. Regent for son Heinrich II the Child (1319-20), who succeeded his cousin Waldemar. In 1322 the Margravate was inherited by Ludwig V of Bavaria.

1649-67 Politically Influential Louise Henriette von Oranje-Nassau
1650-67 In charge of the Administrative Unito of Bötzow (Oranienburg)
She was given the Amt of Bötzow for life by her husband, Kurfürst Friederich Wilhelm and renamed it Oranienburg in 1652. She was strongly interested in politics and her influence cannot be underestimated. In spte of her bad health, she joined him on his journeies, sometimes even in warfare. During the Swedish-Polish war, she advocated a truce with Polen and Habsburgers. She was daughter of Frederik Hendrik van Oranje -Nassau (1584-1647) and Amalia von Solms (1602-72) and heir to the title of Princess of Oranje and the Prince of Preussen still uses this title today. She died one year after the death of the birth of her 6th child, after having lived (1627-67).

1668-88 Political Advisor Dorothea von Holstein-Glücksburg
1688-89 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Administrative Unit of Potsdam
Her first husband Duke hristian Ludwig von Lüneburg Celle died after 12 years not very happy and child-less marriage and she lived at her dowry of Herzberg am Harz until her marriage to Elector Friedrich Wilhelm von Brandenburg 3 years later. She took over the care of his 3 minor sons and had 7 children from 1669 to 1677, and all but one reached adulthood. She also became his close political advisor. She was given the Amt Potsdam and the Calstle of Potsdam became her favourite residence and later her dowry. From 1671 she also owned Caputh and she later bought the Lordship of Schwedt, which became the basis for the Margravate of her son Philipp Wilhelm, who founded the line of Brandenburg-Schwedt. She lived (1636-89).

1684-1700 Politically Active Electress Sophie Charlotte von Hannover
During most of her marriage she sought to influence her husband, Electoral Prince Friedrich III (King of Preussen in 1701), even though the couple grew apart over the years. She was a vivacious woman, who loved the court life, entertaining, parties, music, acting, philosophical and cultural salons where as her husband was strongly pietistic and did not enjoy the court life. She is thought to have been instrumental in the downfall of the Oberpräsident (Head President) Eberhard von Danckelmann in 1697. After her husband became King of Preussen and she was crowned as Queen in 1701 she did not seek political influence any more but continued her splendid life at court until her death. The daughter of Ernst August von Braunschweig-Lüneburg, who later became Elector of Hannover and Sophie von der Pfalz, who was named heir to the British throne in 1701, she was mother of two sons, and lived (1668-1705).

Brandenburg-Ansbach
Member of the Secular Bench of the Council of Princes in the Imperial Diet and member of the Bench of the Secular Princes in the Franconian Circle Estate (Regional Assembly)

1410-40 Temporary Regent Margravine Elisabeth von Bayern-Landshut
She often acted as regent during the reign of her husband, Margrave and Elector Friedrich Hohenzollern I von Brandenburg-Ansbach und Kumblach. He was Burgrave of Nürnberg 1397-1409 and Elector from 1410. She was a very effective ruler and aide to her husband, mother of 11 children, and lived (1383-1442).

1458-86 Temporary Regent Margravine Anna von Sachsen
1486-1512 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Electress Anna von Sachsen of the Administrative Office and Castle of Neustadt an der Aisch
After their marriage in 1458, she acted as regent during the many absences from the state of her husband, Margrave and Elector Albrecht Achilles (1414-86), Margrave of Ansbach after the death of his father in 1440, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach after the death of his brother in 1464 and Elector of Brandenburg in 1470 after the abdication of his oldest brother and at the same time he inherited all the posessions of the House of Hohenzollern. After his death, she retired to her dorwy. The mother of 13 children, she lived (1437-1512).

1543-56 Politically Active Guardian Dowager Duchess Emilia von Sachsen
After the death of her husband, Georg the Pious, she was guardian of their son, Georg Friedrich (1539-1603), who reigned under the regency of some male relatives until 1556. She lived (1516-91).

1558-78 Politically Active Margravine Elisabeth von Brandenburg-Küstrin
She was the most important aide of her husband, Georg Friedrich (1539-1603) until her death. She lived (1540-78).

1578-1603 Politically Active Margravine Sophia von Braunschweig-Lüneburg of Brandenburg-Ansbach
After the death of his first wife, Elisabeth von Brandenburg-Küstrin, she took over her role, as the most important aide of her husband, Georg Friedrich (1539-1603), who had no children in any of his marriages. Sophia lived (1563-1639).

1625-39 Regent Dowager Margravine Sophia zu Solms-Laubach
She had been very influential during the reign of her husband, Joachim Ernst, since their marriage in 1612. After his death, she became joint regent for their son, Albrecht V. She was overpowered by the ordeals of the 30th year war, its devastation, famine and other problems and at one occasion she had to flee from Ansbach. She lived (1594-1651).

1645-67 Politically Influential Electress Luise Henriette van Oranje-Nassau of Brandenburg (Germany) Heiress of the Counties of Lingen and Moers (The Netherlands)
She was involved in politics during the reign of her husband, Kurfürst Friedrich Wilhelm (1620-40-88), and enhanced the relationship between Brandenburg-Prussia and the Netherlands. She initiated commercial and economic reforms and helped revive the state after the devastations of the Thirty Years War. She was also a patron of culture and learning. Her father, Stadtholder Frederik Hendrik van Oranje had stipulated in his will that she was to inherit the Counties of Lingen and Moers in the case that her brother, Willem III, should die with out issue. When this happened in 1702, her son, King Friedrich I. von Prussia, too over the regency and in 1707 it was united with Tecklenburg. She lived (1627-1667).

1723-29 Chief Guardian and Regent of the Realm Dowager Princess-Margravine Christiane Charlotte of Württemberg-Winnental
1723-29 Reigning Dowager Lady of Crailsheim
Since their marriage in 1709 she was an energetic aide of her cousin and husband, Margrave Wilhelm Friedrich, and after his death, she became "Obervormünderin und Landsesregentin" for son Fürst Karl Wilhelm Friedrich, Margrave von Ansbach (1712-23-57). She introduced administrative and social reforms, promoted trade and industry, and planned to found an university in her Dowry, but because of her early death this plan was abandoned. She lived (1694-1729).

Crailsheim functioned as Dowry on a number of occations.

1723-24 Politically Influential Dowager Duchess Eleonore Juliana von Hohenzollern of Württemberg-Winnental
After the death of her husband, Duke Friedrich Carl of Württemberg-Winnental in 1698 she moved back home to Ansbach, where her daughter,  Christiane Charlotte von Württemberg, had married her cousin, Margrave Willem Friedrich and was politically influential especially during the regency of Christiane Charlotte until her own death in 1724.


Brandenburg-Bayreuth
Member of the Secular Bench of the Council of Princes in the Imperial Diet and member of the Bench of the Secular Princes in the Franconian Circle Estate (Regional Assembly)

1620-28 Reigning Dowager Lady Elisabeth Sophie von Brandenburg-Bayreuth in Lichtenberg.
When she married the Polish Prince Janusz Radziwill (1579-1620) in 1617 they were granted the Castle, Office and City , and after his death, she ruled and was known as a charitable and just ruler. They had a son and 2 daughters. When she married Julius Heinrich zu Sachsen-Lauenburg (1586-1665), her brother Christian von Brandenburg-Bayreuth, bought the Lordship. Mother of 1 son and 2 daughters by her first husband, and she gave birth to Franz Erdmann in February 1629 and died on Christmas Eve the same year. She lived (1589-1629).

1712-14 Reigning Dowager Lady Elisabeth Sophie von Brandenburg of Neustadt Erlangen
She had been given the domain by her husband, Margrave Christian Ernst in 1703 and was very influential in the design of the castle, the garden and the Orangerie, until she married a second time in 1714, and lived (1674-1748).

1726-34 Reigning Dowager Lady Sophia von Sachsen-Weißenfels of Neustadt Erlangen
After the death of her husband, Georg Wilhelms, she caused a number of scandals during her 8 years at her dowry until she married the Count Hoditz vermählte and moved to Slesia. Of her 4 children only one daughter, Christiane Sophie Wilhelmina survied into aldulthood (1701-49), but she was unmarried. Sophia lived (1684-1752).

1735-58 Co-Reigning Margravine Wilhelmine zu Preussen of Brandenburg-Bayreuth 
The sister of Friedrich the Great of Prussia she was de-facto joint regent with her husband, Friedrich von Hohenzollern of Brandenburg-Bayreuth. She emulated the musical and cultural standards Frederick had acheived at the Prussian Court. The most lasting monument from her time there is the superb Baroque opera house. It's not clear how much Wilhelmine wrote, as most of it is lost; however her compositions include the opera Argenore and several arias.She lived (1709-58).

1764-1817 Reigning Dowager Lady Sophie Caroline von Braunschweig-Lüneburg of Neustadt Erlangen
She was the second wife of Margrave Markgraf Friedrich and after his death she moved to the Castle of erlngen, and funded a baroque court, and gave the small University Town the air of a Residential City for more than half a century. She did not have any children, and lived (1737-1817)

Brandenburg-Küstrin

1571-74 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Margravine Katharine von Braunschweig of Crossen
After the death of her husband, Markgraf Johann von Küstrin, she took up residence at her dorwy. Mother of 2 daughters, and lived (1518-74).

Braunschweig-Beveren
Member of the Secular Bench of the Council of Princes in the Imperial Diet, and member of the Lower Saxon Circle Estate (Regional Assembly)

1687-89 Regent Dowager Duchess Christine von Hessen-Eschwege
For Ferdinand Albrecht II.

Braunschweig-Gifhorn

1549-76 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Clara zu Sachsen-Lauenburg of the Administrative Office and Castle of Fallersleben
Her husband, Franz von Braunschweig-Gifhorn, died at his 41th birthday from the effects of an infected foot. She was mother of 2 daughters, and her husband's Duchy returned to the main line in Celle, but she was given Fallersleben as her dorwy, and was responsible for an economical boom.

Braunschweig-Göttingen

1394-1442 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Margarete von Jülich of Hardegsen
Widow of Otto I of Braunschweig-Göttingen (ca. 1340-94). She was mother of 4 children, and lived (ca. 1364-1442). The estate functioned as dowry on later occations also.

Braunschweig-Grubenhagen
Member of the Regional Assembly of the Lower Saxon Circle Estate (Niedersächsischer Reichskreis), and member of the Lower Saxon Circle Estate (Regional Assembly)

1427-39 Regent Dowager Duchess Elisabeth von Braunschweig-Göttingen.

Braunschweig-Lüneburg
Member of the Secular Bench of the Council of Princes in the Imperial Diet

1471-1514 Reigning Dowager Lady Anna von Nassau-Dillenburg of Lüchow in Braunschweig
1479-86 Member of the Council of Regency of Braunschweig-Lüneburg
1479-1514 Reigning Dowager Lady of Ziegenhain and Nidda in Katzenelnbogen
1495-1510 Head of the Governing Council of Braunschweig-Lüneburg
After the death of her husband Duke Otto (1438-64-71), she withdrew to her dowry in Lüchow. In 1474 she married Count Philipp von Katzenelnbogen and leased her dowry out, and left her children behind in Celle as costmary for princely widows at the time. After Philipp's death in 1479, she returned to Braunschweig, where her son Heinrich had succeeded his grandfather Friederich II (reigned 1451-57, d. 1578) as Duke a few months before. She was given a large sum to give up claims to the County of Katzenelnbogen (her step-daughter Anna (1443-94) was among the claimants of the county). In 1481 she is mentioned in the sources as her as part of the regency council, even though no official sources of her installation as regent has survived. She reformed the economy of the country, spend money on religious institutions and charity. Her son prowed to be a totally irresponsible ruler, and with the with the held of the Estates, became head of a council that virtually empowered him. She put much energy in reforming the economy but many depths remained when she again withdrew to her dorwy. 1495 was also the year that Celle was hit by the plague and she therefore reformed the hospitals. During her last years she travelled a lot visiting family, and lived (1440-1515).

1479-86 Possible Member of the Regency Council Margarethe von Braunschweig-Lüneburg
Known as Margarethe von Stargard, it appears that she sometimes stood in for her sister-in-law, Anna, when she was absent from Celle. She was the third wife of Heinrich von Mecklenburg-Srargard (1417-38-66), and mother of 2 daughters Magdalene (1454-1532), who was married to Duke Wartislaw V of Pomerania (d. 1478) and Count Burkard von Barby-Mülingen (d. 1505) and Anna, who was a nun at Ribnitz (1465-98). After her husband's death she resided at her dorwys at Plau, but she moved back to Brauncshweig around 1473. The dispute over her dowries between the duchal houses of Mecklenburg and Lüneburg continued after the Stargard line dies out and was never settled. In 1498 she entered the Convent of Wienhausen and lived there for the rest of her life. She (d. 1512).

1592-1600 Regent Dowager Duchess Dorothea af Danmark
1592 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Administrative Office and Castle of Winsen (Schloss und Amt) and of Gross Rhode

1665-68 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Dorothea von Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Glücksburg of the Castle and and Administrative Unit of Herzberg in Braunschweig-Lüneburg
1671-89 Lady of the Lordship of Schwedt and the Castle of Caputh
1688-89 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Office and Castle of Potsdam
After the death of her first  husband Christian Ludwig Herzog von Braunschweig-Lüneburg, she took up residence at her dowry. Two years later she married Elector Friedrich Wilhelm von Brandenburg (1620-88) and became his close advisor and companion. He gave her the Amt Potsdam and they spend a lot of time at the castle there.  From 1673 she built the Neustadt/Dorotheenstadt in Berlin which were given city rights in 1674. The daughter of Daughter of  Duke Philipp von Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg (1584-1663) and Sophie Hedwig von Sachsen-Lauenburg (1601-1660), she was mother mother of 4 sons and 3 daughters by her second husband, one of whom, Philipp Wilhelm became Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt. She lived (1636-89)

1914-18 De Facto In-Charge of the Government Duchess Viktoria Luise von Prussen (August-8.11)
She was acting in the place of her husband Ernst August (1887-1913-18-53), the son of the exiled king of Hannover, Ernst August, Duke of Cumberland and Thyra of Denmark. Her husband was given the title of duke of Braunschweig by her father, Emperor Wilhelm III. After the death of her husband she feuded with her children, Ernst August, Queen Frederika of Greece and two others over the inheritance and other financial matters and even took them to court. Viktoria Luise lived (1892-1980).


Braunschewig-Lüneburg-Calenberg
Member of the Secular Bench of the Council of Princes in the Imperial Diet, and member of the Lower Saxon Circle Estate (Regional Assembly)

1643-51 Regent Dowager Duchess Anna Eleonora von Hessen-Darmstadt in Calenberg
Widow of Duke Georg of Braunschweig-Lüneburg-Calenberg and Celle (1582-1636-41), she was regent for oldest son Duke Christian Ludwig (1624-65), who was Duke of Calenberg (1641-48), Duke of Celle (1648-65) of Harburg (1651-65). Her second son, Georg II Wilhelm was Duke of Calenberg (1648-1703), of Celle (1665-1703), of Dannenberg (1773-1703), her third son, Johann Friedrich of Braunchweig-Lüneburg zu Hannover (1665-79), the fourth Ernst August of Braunschweig-Lüneburg in Hannover (1679-92) and Elector from 1698. His wife, Sophie von Simmen became Heir to the Throne of United Kindom in 1702. One of Leonora's daughters, Sofie Amalie, married Frederik III of Denmark. Anna Leonora lived (1601-59).

Braunschewig-Lüneburg-Celle

1665-68 Reigning Dowager Lady Dorothea von Holstein-Glücksburg of Herzberg am Harz
1668-88 Political Advisor in Brandenburg
1688-89 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Administrative Unit of Potsdam
Her first husband Duke hristian Ludwig von Lüneburg Celle died after 12 years not very happy and child-less marriage and she lived at her dowry until her marriage to Elector Friedrich Wilhelm von Brandenburg 3 years later. She took over the care of his 3 minor sons and had 7 children from 1669 to 1677, and all but one reached adulthood. She also became his close political advisor. She was given the Amt Potsdam and the Calstle of Potsdam became her favourite residence and later her dowry. From 1671 she also owned Caputh and she later bought the Lordship of Schwedt, which became the basis for the Margravate of her son Philipp Wilhelm, who founded the line of Brandenburg-Schwedt. She lived (1636-89).

Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel and Calenberg
Member of the Secular Bench of the Council of Princes in the Imperial Diet, and member of the Lower Saxon Circle Estate (Regional Assembly)

1495-1522 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Elisabeth zu Stolberg-Wernigerode of the Administrative Office and Castle of Stauffenburg in Harz
Her husband, Wilhelm II zu Braunschweig-Lüneburg-Wolfenbüttel was deposed in 1595 after he had deposed and imprisoned his brother, Friederich. Their sons inherited the dukedom. She promoted mining and the area propored economically. (d. 1522)

1540-46 Regent Dowager Duchess Elisabeth von Brandenburg
Second wife of Duke Erich I (1470-1550). After a few years she converted to Protestantism, promoted the calvinist faith, and forced her husband to have his mistress, Anna Rumschottle burned as a witch. As regent for son Erich II, she introduced Protestantism to the state. She lived (1510-58).

1556-68 Politically Influential Duchess Sophie die Jagiellonin of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel
1568-75 Sovereign Lady of Schöning and the Amt Jerxneim
During the reign of her husband, Heinrich the Younger, she was engaged in diplomatic activities both with her native Poland and the rest of Europe, was active in Politics, and an outstanding intellectual capacity and cultural personality. After her husband's death, and the accession to the throne of her stepson, she retired to her dowry, which she reigned as a sovereign with rights over administration, juridical matters, trade and a small army. She became extremely rich, and her sisters and her husband's relatives and later their descendants fought over the inheritance, which was not settled for another 100 years. The daughter of King Zygysmund I of Poland and Bona Sforza, she had no children, and lived (1522-75). 

1569-80 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Margarete von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel of the Administrative Office and Castle of Staufenburg in Harz
Her husband, Johann von Münsterberg zu Oels in Slesia, died 1565, and her brother, Duke Julius von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel in Calenberg und Göttingen, granted her the Castle as her dowry and transformed it into a hosptal, and lived (ca. 1516-80).

1589-1602 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Hedwig von Brandenburg of the Castle and Administrative Unit of Hessen
Widow of Herzog Julius von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel-Calenberg und Göttingen (1528-89), she lived (1540-1602)

1613-26 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Elisabeth af Danmark of the Castle and Administrative Unit of Hessen in Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel
1616-22 De-facto in charge of the Government
After the death of her husband, Duke Heinrich Julius von Braunschweig-Lüneburg she reigned in her dowry. After 3 years she removed her son, Friederich Ulrich, from the government together with her brother, Christian 4 of Denmark, and she remained in charge for the next 6 years. In 1617 she founded the Retreat for the Poor with a chapel (Elisabeth Stift) During the Thirty Years War (1618-48) the castle was raided and was not repaired until 1654. Elisabeth lived (1573-1626).

1628-59 Reigning Lady Duchess Anna-Sophie von Brandenburg of Schöning in Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel
1634-59 Reigning Dowager Lady of the Castle and Administrative Unit of Hessen Hessen
After her seperation from her husband, Duke Friederich Ulrich (1591-1634) she lived at the castle and reigned the territory almost as a sovereign lady. She opened a latin school. She had no children, and lived (1598-1959).

Breitenegg (Breiteneck)
The county was Member of the Secular Bench of the Imperial Circle Estate (Regional Assembly) of Bavaria

1534... Joint Sovereign Lady Rosina von Wildenstein
The daughter of Alexanders II von Wildenstein inherited half of the Lordship. Succeeded by husband, Karl von Welden.

1583... Joint Sovereign Lady Susanne von Wildenstein
The daughter of Alexanders III von Wildenstein, she inherited a fourth of the lordship. Married to Georgs von Rindersbach.

1583... Joint Sovereign Lady Agnes von Wildenstein
The daughter of Alexanders III von Wildenstein, she inherited a fourth of the lordship from her brother, Friedrich Karl I von Wildenstein. Married to a Lord von Haslang.

1675-87 Regent and Guardian Dowager Countess Maria Anna Theresia von Haslang
She was in charge of the government in the Tillyschen Reichsgrafschaft Breitenegg during the minority of her son, Ferdinand Lorenz Franz Xaver, Reichsgraf von Tilly und Breitenegg (d. 1724). The County of the Realm had recieved a seat and vote in the Imperial Diet in 1654.

1724-44 Countess of the Realm Maria Anna Katharina Theresia von Tilly
After the death of the last male of the family, Ferdinand Lorenz Franz Xaver, Reichsgraf von Tilly und Breitenegg, she inherited the County and Lordship. She promoted trade and crafts and brought prosperity to the area. Her husband, Duke Anton Sebastian von Montfort, had died in 1706 and since she had no children, she was succeeded by her cousin, Ignaz Joseph Freiherrn von Gumppenberg of the immediate Reichsgrafschaft Breitenegg.

Brunckhorst and Borckelo

1553-79 De-facto Reigning Dowager Countess Maria von der Hoya
After her husband, Jobsten Grafen zu Bronkhorst und Herrn zu Borculo, was killed in an accident the fief reverted to the Diocese of Münster, but she continued to be in charge of the administration until her own death.


Broich (or Bruch) (also see Limurg und Broich)

1682-85 Sovereign Lady Anna Elisabeth von Daun-Falkenstein
As her brother,  Da sein einziger Erbsohn Carl Alexander had been shot by Moritz von Limburg-Styrum, in 1659, she succeeded her father, Wilhelm Wirich von Daun-Falkenstein. She was widow of Count Georg Wilhelm von Leiningen-Dagsburg (1636-72), and was succeeded by son, Count Johann Karl August von Leiningen-Dagsburg-Falkenstein (1662-98). Also mother of a son who died in infancy and a daughter. She lived (1636-85)

1698-1715 Regent Dowager Countess Johanna Magdalena von Hanau-Lichtenberg von Leiningen-Dagsburg-Falkenstein and Broich
After the death of her husband, she was in charge of the government for their son, Christian Karl Reinhard, (1695-1766). She lived (1660-1715).

1766-1806 Sovereign Lady Luise von Leiningen-Dagsburg-Falkenberg of Broich
1806-15 Lady of Broich
Unlike her father, she was interested in her posession in Broich, in and often stayed there. She was marrried to Georg-Wilhelm zu Hessen-Darmstadt(d. 1782), the brother of the Reigning Landgrave, Ludwig IX, and as he spend most of his time, she was in charge of the representation of the state in Darmstadt after the death of his wife in 1774. Her posessions were mediatized and she lost the sovreignty and immidiate status, but kept some politcial and juridical rights, until the territories were finally annexed by Preussen in 1815. The daughter of Count Christian Karl Reinhard zu Leiningen-Dagsburg-Falkenberg und Hildesheim (169-1766) and Katharina Polyxena zu Solms-Rödelheim (1702-65), Maria Luise Albertine was mother of 9 children, and lived (1729-1818).


Ecclesiastical Territory of Buchau (Weltliche gefürstete Damenstift Buchau - Worldly Princely Ladies Chapter) in Baden-Württemberg). See Germany Ecclesiastical Territories)

Reichsabtei Burtscheid (Imperial Abbey) (In Nordhrein-Westphalen/North Rhine-Westphalia)  See Germany Ecclesiastical Territories)

C

Castell-Castell

1736-51 Regent Dowager Countess Friederike zu Ortenburg
After the death of her husband, Wolfgang Georg II (1694-1736) she was regent for only child, Count Christian Friederich Karl von Castell-Castell (1730-73), and lived (1712-58).

Castell-Remlingen
The county of Castell was Member of the College of The Counts of Franconia, which held one collective vote in the Council of Princes in the Imperial Diet

1668-82 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Countess Sophie Juliana zu Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Pfedelbach of Obersulzbürg

After the death of her husband, Count Wolfgang Georg I von Castell-Remlingen (1610-68). Mother of 2 daughters and a son, and lived (1620-98).

1710-25 Joint Guardian Dowager Countess Dorothea Renata von Zinzendorf
After the death of her husband, Graf Wolfgang Dietrich zu Castell-Remlingen, she was joint guardian for son, Ludwig Friedrich Graf und Herr zu Castell-Remlingen (1707-10-72). She was the aunt of the founder and leader of the Herrnhuts Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700-1760). His guardian was Graf Friedrich Eberhard zu Hohenlohe-Kirchberg, and lived (1669-1743).


Criechingen (Also see Qstfrielsland and Rietberg)

Until 1705 Sovereign Countess Anna Dorothea von Criechingen
The daughter of Albrecht Ludwig and Altgräfin Agathe zu Salm-Kyburg, she was married to Count Edzard Ferdinand von Ostfriesland-Rietberg. She was succeeded by two sons, Edzard Eberhard Wilhelm,  who died two years later and Friedrich Ulrich, who was succeeded by his infant daughter, Christiane Luise, in 1710.

1710-32 Sovereign Countess Christiane Luise von Ostfriesland-Rietberg-Cirsena of Criechingen, Lady of Rollingen etc.
She was only little more than one month old when her father, Count Friedrich Ulrich of Rietberg, died. He had succeeded his brother three years earlier, who had succeeded their mother Countess Anna Dorothea von Criechingen in 1705. Christine Louise's mother was Marie Charlotte von Ostfriesland (1689-1761) and she married Johann Ludwig von Wied-Runkel (1705-1762).


Coburg

1347-53 Reigning Dowager Lady Dowager Duchess Jutta von Brandenburg of Coburg-Henneberg
Inherited the landscapes of Coburg-Henneberg after her husband Heinrich VIII von Henneberg-Schleusingen's death. Her son-in-law - the husband of her daughter, Katharina von Henneberg, then inherited the territories and they became parts of Meissen and Thüringen, of which she was regent from 1381.

1381-90 Regent Dowager Countess Katharina von Henneberg of the Osterland, Landsberg, Pleißnerland, Orlamünde, Kahla, Jena und Naumburg (Saale)
1381-97 Reigning Dowager Lady of Coburg and Weißenfels
Ruled in the name of sons Friedrich, Wilhelm and Georg, who divieded the margravates of Thüringen and Meissen with their uncles after the death of her husband Margrave Friederich, who had named her as the regent in his will. Her father Heinrich VIII von Henneberg-Schleusingen (d. 1347) named her heir of Coburg together with her mother Jutta von Brandenburg (d. 1453) and 3 sisters, while the rest of the Henneberg territory went to his brother Johann. The surviving sons, Friedrich IV (1370-1428), Wilhelm II (1371-1425) and Georg (1380-1402) later inherited Thüringen and Meissen from their uncles. She lived (1334-97)


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