Agneta Willeken

Agneta Willeken (born around 1497 – died before 1562) was a woman from Hamburg, Germany. She is known for her connection to political events during the Count's Feud in the 1530s. She was the partner of Marcus (also called Marx) Meyer, a soldier who played a role in the war. People believed that Agneta influenced political decisions in the city of Lübeck.

 Early life and family 
Agneta was born around 1497 in Hamburg. Her father, Peter Radkens, was a successful merchant. She married Hans Willeken, who was also a merchant. They had two daughters: Anna and Margaretha.

In 1527, her husband lost his money and moved to Lübeck. He died there in 1535. Agneta stayed in Hamburg with her children.

 Relationship with Marcus Meyer 
After her husband left, Agneta began a relationship with Marcus Meyer. He had worked as a blacksmith but later became a soldier. Even after Marcus married another woman (a rich widow), Agneta continued to write him letters and send him gifts.

In 1535, Marcus Meyer led a siege on Varberg Fortress during the Count’s Feud. A letter from Agneta to him was captured by the enemy. This letter was used as propaganda to make it seem like she had political power and was helping direct military actions.

 Political role 
Many believed that Agneta helped influence politics in Lübeck through her relationship with Marcus Meyer. She was accused of encouraging the mayor of Lübeck, Jürgen Wullenwever, to start a war with the Duchy of Holstein.

 After the war 
Marcus Meyer was captured in June 1536 and was executed. After this, Agneta lost her public respect in Hamburg. She later became close to Joachim Wullenwever, the brother of the former mayor. Some people thought she was involved in political betrayal.

 Lawsuit against Hamburg 
In 1548, Agneta started a lawsuit against the city of Hamburg. She said her daughters were treated badly during a public celebration in 1538. She asked for 24,000 guilders as compensation.

The legal case lasted for many years. Agneta and her daughters died before the case was finished. In 1583, the court awarded 1,000 guilders to the heirs of her family.

 Sources 
 Ennen, Edith (1999) Frauen im Mittelalter, C.H.Beck; S. 154–156
 Reincke, Heinrich (1928) Agneta Willeken. Ein Lebensbild aus Wullenwevers Tagen, Pfingstblätter des Hansischen Geschichtsvereins

Category:1490s births
Category:1562 deaths
Category:People of the Count's Feud
Category:16th-century people from the Holy Roman Empire