Guelders

Wassenberg and Jülich dynasties (c.1096–1423)

Guelders was often at war with its neighbours, not only with Brabant but also with the County of Holland and the Bishopric of Utrecht. However, its territory grew not only because of its success in warfare but also because it thrived in times of peace. For example, the larger part of the Veluwe and the city of Nijmegen were given as collateral to Guelders by their cash-strapped rulers. On separate occasions, in return for loans from the treasury of Guelders, the bishop of Utrecht granted the taxation and administration of the Veluwe, and William II – Count of both Holland and Zeeland, and who was elected anti-king of the Holy Roman Empire (1248–1256) – similarly granted the same rights over Nijmegen; as neither ruler proved able to repay their debts, these lands became integral parts of Guelders.