Albert IV, Duke of Saxe-Lauenburg

Albrecht IV of Saxe- Lauenburg (* 1315, † 1344) was from 1338 to 1344 Duke of Saxe- Lauenburg in the line Mölln and Bergedorf.

Life

After the death of his father, Duke John II of Saxe -Lauenburg, Albrecht led the Bergedorf Castle continue as a residence and residence, as there issued certificates of 1335, 1342 and 1359 ( ie to the reigns of his father, himself and his son Albrecht V. ) situated. The cost of befitting the royal household were almost prohibitive for the small duchy, so that the debt that had been conducted under Albrecht's father several times to pledges of parts of the Duchy of Albrecht's Uncle Gerhard von Holstein, more pledges forced. The influence of the Holstein on Albrecht's policy was therefore large.

Together with Lübeck, Hamburg and the Holsteiners Albrecht tried to restore order in his duchy after his cousin Erich II was discredited by raids on merchant trains. Therefore Albrecht fell in winter 1343/1344 in Eric's lands and dragged several festivals houses. Albrecht died but before the end of this campaign.

Family

His three sons took over the business of government in succession, but died without male issue:

• Johann III. (* 1335, † 1356), Duke from 1344.
• Albrecht V (* 1335, † 1370 ), Duke from 1356.
• Erich III. († 1401 ), originally canon, 1370 Duke. With him the line Mölln- Bergedorf the askanischen royal house died out.

Albrecht himself married in 1341 his second wife Sophie of goats Hain, daughter of Count John I of goats grove.