Born: 5 September 1500, Germany
Died: 20 February 1575
Country most active: Germany
Also known as: NA
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Maria of Jever, known as Fräulein Maria in Jeverland, was the last ruler of the Lordship of Jever from the Wiemken family. She reigned from 1517 until her death on February 20, 1575.
In 1531, Maria sought help from Emperor Charles V to protect her rule against local rivals. Charles V, also the Count of Holland and Duke of Brabant, briefly took control of Jeverland before giving it back to Maria as a fief. This move secured her position but ended Jeverland’s direct imperial rule in 1417. However, it allowed Maria to gain full control.
Over the next years, Maria defended her inheritance and asserted her authority, driven by her strong will and desire for independence.
Initially against the Reformation, Maria introduced Lutheranism to Jever in 1532. She’s known as a capable ruler who boosted trade, upheld justice, and maintained law and order. She even granted Jever city rights in 1536. By creating new polders and locks, she expanded her territory, promoting agriculture and commerce.
In 1556, Maria turned the damaged city church choir into a grave chapel. Between 1561 and 1564, a Renaissance monument for her father was built in the chapel, which still stands today.