Background
Henry was born before 1412 as the youngest child of Duke Ulrich I of Mecklenburg-Stargard and his wife Margaret.
Henry was born before 1412 as the youngest child of Duke Ulrich I of Mecklenburg-Stargard and his wife Margaret.
He is sometimes called "Henry the Elder" to distinguish him from Duke Henry IV of Mecklenburg. He ruled Neubrandenburg, initially under guardianship. After John III"s death, Henry ruled all of Mecklenburg-Stargard.
Henry was considered a warlike ruler.
Thomas Kantzow called him "a wicked robber, who always bothers the Mark (ie Brandenburg) and the entire country all the way to Stettin, who was mad at all the cows, leaving Duke Joachim of Stettin wondering where he stored all the hides". During Henry"s reign, the Peace of Wittstock was concluded, which permanently fixed the southeastern boundary of Mecklenburg.