Gerhard I, Count of Holstein-Itzehoe was the only count of Holstein-Itzehoe.
Background
He was the second son of Count Adolf IV of Holstein and Heilwig of Lippe. When his father retired to a monastery in 1238, he ruled the Holstein jointly with his elder brother John I, initially under the guardianship of their uncle the Duke Abel of Schleswig. When they came of age, the brothers took up government and continue their joint rule.
Career
In 1255, they concluded a trade agreement with Lübeck. Gerhard took Holstein-Itzehoe, consisting of the districts of Stormarn, Plön and Schaumburg, with his residence in Itzehoe. John received Holstein-Kiel, consisting of the districts Kiel, Wagria and East Holstein, with his seat in Kiel.
Gerhard founded several villages, in order to develop Holstein and control the area.
He also developed the County"s administration. He fought ward with the Archdiocese of Bremen, th City of Lübeck and the landed genry in his county.
In 1263, John died and Gerhard became regent of Kiel and Segeberg for John"s sons. Gerhard I died in 1290.
The inscription on his seal reads: South(IGILLUM)* GERARDI*COMITIS*HOLTSATIE*ET*Delaware*SCOWENB(O)RCH ("of Count Gerhard of Holstein and Schauenburg").