Albert, Count of Nassau-Weilburg
| Albert, Count of Nassau-Weilburg | |
|---|---|
| Spouse(s) | Anna of Nassau-Dillenburg |
| Noble family | House of Nassau |
| Father | Philip III, Count of Nassau-Weilburg |
| Mother | Anna of Mansfeld |
| Born |
26 December 1537 Weilburg |
| Died | 11 November 1593 (aged 55) Ottweiler |
Albert of Nassau-Weilburg-Ottweiler (26 December 1537, Weilburg – 11 November 1593, Ottweiler), was a Count of the House of Nassau. His territory included the areas around Weilburg, Ottweiler and Lahr in the Black Forest. Like his father, Philip III of Nassau-Weilburg he was an advocate of the Reformation.
Albert was the only son of Philip III of Nassau-Weilburg and his second wife Anna of Mansfield. His mother died in childbirth.
On 16 June 1559, Albert married Anna of Nassau-Dillenburg, a daughter of the William "the Rich" of Nassau-Dillenburg and sister of William I of Orange. In the same year, on 4 October 1559, his father, Philip III died. Albert inherited part of the county of Nassau-Weilburg jointly with his younger half-brother, Philip IV. Albert initially ruled jointly with Philip IV. They had inherited a high debt, which hampered their ability to rule. They were however, able to slowly improve their financial position.
On 15 May 1561, the brothers split their territory for the first time. Albert was given the castle and district of Weilburg, Philip received castle and district of Neuweilnau. The largest part of the territory and their father's debts, however, remained the common property. Albert moved into the new Weilburg Castle, which he continued to expand. In 1571, they split the rest of the territory. Apart from Weilburg, Albert received Gleiberg, Cleen, labor and Burgschwalbach. Albert and Philip concluded several treaties with Hesse, in which they gradually divided their shared possessions.
Albert was a member of the Wetterau Association of Imperial Counts. He often travelled to the Imperial Diet and to the Emperor Maximilian II as a representative of the Wetterau Association, to discuss freedom of religion for the Calvinist princes. From 1583 to 1588, Albert fought in the Cologne War on the side of the Wetterau Association.
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