Counts of Leuven

Coat of arms of the county of Leuven.

Near the end of the 10th century, the County of Leuven emerged when granted to Lambert I by the German Emperor. Originally limited by the rivers Demer, Dijle and Velp, that is more or less the region known today as Hageland, the County of Leuven rapidly increased in size and power. After his marriage with Gerberga, the daughter of the Duke of Lower Lorraine, Lambert I incorporated the County of Brussels; in 1013, Lambert I annexed the Duchy of Bruningrode, located around Tongeren.

They acquired great influence in the Holy Roman Empire and acquired more titles over time. In 1183, they were created Dukes of Brabant. The county of Leuven was absorbed into the duchy of Brabant.

Counts of Leuven and Brussels

• 1003-1015 : Lambert I, was the first Count of Leuven, son of Reginar III Count of Hainaut
• 1015-1038 : Henry I, (son of Lambert I)
• 1038-1040 : Otto
• 1040-1054 : Lambert II, (son of Lambert I)
• 1054-1079 : Henry II, (son of Lambert II)
• 1079-1086 : Henry III, (son of Henry II)

Counts of Leuven and Brussels, Landgraves of Brabant

• 1086-1095 : Henry III, (son of Henry II)
• 1095-1106 : Godfrey I, (son of Henry II)

Counts of Leuven and Brussels, Landgraves of Brabant, Dukes of Lower-Lorraine

• 1106-1128 : Godfrey I, (son of Henry II)
• 1128-1141 : Godfrey II, (son of Godfrey I)
• 1141-1190 : Godfrey III, (son of Godrey II)

From 1183 onwards the titles of Count of Leuven, Count of Brussels and Landgrave of Brabant were merged in the title of Duke of Brabant and used as appanages.