Catherine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, Margravine of Brandenburg-Küstrin

Catherine of Brunswick- Wolfenbüttel (* 1518 in Wolfenbüttel, † May 16 1574 in Crossen ) was a princess of Brunswick- Wolfenbüttel and by marriage Margravine of Brandenburg- Kuestrin.

Life

Catherine was a daughter of Duke Henry II of Brunswick -Wolfenbüttel (1489-1568) from his first marriage with Maria (1496-1541), daughter of Count Heinrich of Württemberg.

They married on November 11, 1537 in Wolfenbüttel Margrave John of Brandenburg- Kuestrin ( 1513-1571 ) and so was sister of the Elector of Brandenburg. In the Margraviate of Katharina substantial participation in the enforcement of the Reformation.

Catherine was regarded as extremely frugal and thrifty, which she actively supported her husband. She possessed in Kuestrin several outbuildings and a kitchen garden. In the suburb of Küstrin they had the so-called "wild yard", and other goods in Schaumburg, Drewitz and her favorite seat Neudamm, a gift from her husband. In Neudamm Catherine moved to Dutch religious refugees who revived the clothier business. There were built school and church and raised Neudamm 1562 to the city.

Catherine, who was described as very popular, was known in the population as " Käthe ". She established the first pharmacy in Drossen and built another in Kuestrin from which they supplied the poor and needy free of charge with medication. Catherine put on numerous outworks and milker land, which they managed themselves and the yield also sold itself.

The grave of Catherine was discovered by archaeologists in the ruins of Szczecin Küstriner parish church in 1999.

After Catherine St. Catherine street in Berlin- Hallensee is named the Kurfürstendamm.

Progeny

From their marriage, Catherine had two daughters:

• Elisabeth (1540-1578)

• Catherine (1549-1602)