Reginald II Duke of Guelders

Reginald II, known as ‘the Black’, served as Count of Guelders and, from 1339, as Duke of Guelders and Zutphen in the Low Countries. His tenure spanned from 1326 until his death in 1343. He was born to Reginald I of Guelders and Marguerite of Flanders. Initially, Reginald II took on the role of regent in 1316, confined his father in 1318, and ruled as ‘son of the Count’. Following his father’s passing in 1326, he assumed the titles of Count of Guelders and Zutphen, and in 1339, Guelders was elevated to a duchy. Reginald II was recognized for his legislative contributions, specifically regarding customary law in 1321 and regulations on dykes and canals in 1335.

His foreign policy was marked by an alliance with Edward III of England, his brother-in-law, against the French. He alerted the English in 1338 about a French fleet assembling at the Zwin, solidifying his position as a key ally to Edward during the initial phase of the Hundred Years’ War. Reginald’s personal life was notable for his two marriages, first to Sophia Berthout and then to Eleanor of Woodstock, and his decision to exclude Eleanor from court in 1338 under the pretext of leprosy.