Background
He was the son of Gerhard I, Count of Holstein-Itzehoe (d 1290) and Elisabeth of Mecklenburg (d cā1280). After the death of his father, the surviving sons divided the county among themselves.
He was the son of Gerhard I, Count of Holstein-Itzehoe (d 1290) and Elisabeth of Mecklenburg (d cā1280). After the death of his father, the surviving sons divided the county among themselves.
In 1285, he was able to persuade King Eric V of Denmark to release Duke Valdemar IV of Schleswig from captivity. Henry was awarded the division of Rendsburg. He was constantly at war with the Dithmarschen.
Shortly before his death he introduced a toll on imported goods.
Half the proceeds went to Hamburg, the other half was divided between Holstein-Schaumburg and Holstein-Rendsburg. After the Holstein-Schaumburg line died out in 1640, the Holstein half of the proceeds went to the Duchy of Holstein.
After the Dukes of Holstein died out in 1768, the proceeds went to Hamburg The inscription in his seal reads: South (IGILLUM) * HINRICI * Comitis * HOLTSATIE * ET * EN * SCOWENBRCH (of Henry, Count of Holstein and Schauenburg).