Principality of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel
Henry's father, Duke William IV of Brunswick-Lüneburg retired in 1491, leaving government of the Principality of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel with Caleneberg to his two sons Henry the Elder and Eric, and only kept the Principality of Göttingen for himself. In 1494, the brothers divided their territories between them: Henry received the eastern part of the state, with the cities of Brunswick and Wolfenbüttel, while Eric took over the Calenberg estates.