Founder of the House of Hesse-Darmstadt

George I of Hesse-Darmstadt was the Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt from 1567 to 1596.

Early life

Born on 10 September 1547 in Kassel, he was the fourth son of Philip I the Magnanimous of Hesse and his wife, Christine of Saxony.

Biography

Following his father's death in 1567, Hesse was divided between his four sons. George I received the upper County of Katzenelnbogen and selected Darmstadt as his residence. He died on 7 February 1596 and the Landgraviate was passed to his son Louis.

Marriages

On 17 August 1572 he married Countess Magdalene of Lippe (1552-1587). They had 10 children. On 25 May 1589 he married Duchess Eleonore of Württemberg (1552-1618). They had 1 child.