Werner von Orseln (c.
1280 –
November 18,
1330) was the 17th
Grand Master of the
Teutonic Order, serving from 1324-1330.
Von Orseln hailed from a family of
vogts of
Urseln near
Frankfurt in
Hesse.
It is not known when he joined the Teutonic Order. He is first mentioned in 1312 as a
Komtur of
Ragnit. In 1314, von Orseln becomes the Grand Komtur and the Komtur of
Marienburg.
During a
coup d'etat in the
monastic state, he supported Grand Master
Karl von Trier and was exiled along with him. However, he returned in 1319 and he held the position of the Grand Master's
resident in
Prussia. He negotiated discussion and restored hierarchic discipline within the Order.
After the death of Karl von Trier, the Order's
capitulum chose von Orseln as the next Grand Master. Immediately after being elected, von Orseln was forced to start negotiations with the
Kingdom of Poland. These did not produce any results, however, and the Teutonic Order started preparations for war with Poland. The Grand Master formed an anti-Polish coalition consisting of the Dukes of
Masovia and
Silesia and the King of
Bohemia. The pretext to start the war was the Polish invasion of the
Duchy of Płock in 1327. In retaliation, the Grand Master ordered the conquest of
Kujavia and
Dobrzyń Land.
As the superior of the Order, von Orseln paid special attention to spiritual life.
Despite the ongoing war with Poland, he was able to organize two
assemblies of the Prussian clergy and issue several administrative acts forming the base of the political system of the state.
Von Orseln died in
Castle Marienburg as a result of several wounds after an assassination attempt by a mad knight,
Johan von Endorf. He was buried in a
cathedral in
Marienwerder.
Category:1280 birthsCategory:1330 deathsCategory:Grand Masters of the Teutonic KnightsCategory:People from HesseCategory:Articles lacking sources (Erik9bot)de:Werner von Orselnit:Werner von Orselnlt:Verneris fon Orselnashu:Werner von Orselnpl:Werner von Orselnsl:Werner von Orseln
