Niclas, Graf von Abensberg

Niclas, Graf von Abensberg (1441 – 28 February 1485) was a knight and nobleman under the reign of Louis IX, Duke of Bavaria.

Coat of arms of the counts of Abensberg

Originating from an old family of considerable means ruling at Abensberg (Bavaria), Niclas came as a young man to the Court of Louis IX in Landshut. He excelled in the battle of Singen in 1462 and participated in most tournaments. He was assigned the tenures of Graisbach, Riedenburg and Kelheim.

In the dispute among the sons of Albert III, Duke of Bavaria, Niclas took side for the elder son Duke Albert IV and arrested the younger Duke Christof while he was bathing. The quarrel was settled, but reemerged fourteen years later. Once more, Niclas led the troops of Albrecht IV, conquering Päl, Weilheim and Landsberg without meeting resistance. However, as Niclas and the other noblemen returned home, they were ambushed by Duke Christof. Niclas was dismounted from his saddle and surrendered, but was stabbed by a varlet and died.

As Niclas was childless, he was the last of the family of von Abensberg.

Notes

Regarding personal names: Until 1919, Graf was a title, translated as 'Count', not a first or middle name. The female form is Gräfin. In Germany, it has formed part of family names since 1919.

Sources

• Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie - online version at Wikisource