Conrad Schetz

Conrad Schetz de Grobbendonck, later Conrad d'Ursel (1553–1632) was a nobleman in the Habsburg Netherlands and in 1604–1609 the first ordinary ambassador to England for the Archdukes Albert and Isabella.

Life

The son of Gaspar Schetz and Catharina d'Ursel, he was baptised in Antwerp on 19 March 1553. His parents had 21 children in total, eight of whom survived to adulthood. He was the fifth son. His father was the chief banker in Antwerp, financing several merchants who traded to Russia and Brazil. Gaspar was also banker to Philip II of Spain, giving him a political role and making him a leading figure in the Antwerp of the second half of the 16th century.

In his youth Conrad was engaged in mercantile affairs, but in 1582 he obtained a government position as councillor and commissioner extraordinary for Domains and Finances. In 1584 he was appointed comptroller of artillery, and in 1587 superintendent of munitions in fortified places. 1587 was also the year that Conrad married Françoise, the daughter of Jean Richardot, president of the Brussels Privy Council. In 1588 he was knighted and became an ordinary councillor of the Council of Finance in Brussels.^[1]

In 1600 he was created Baron Hoboken, and in 1604 appointed archducal ambassador to England. He remained in this post until 1609.

In 1617 he inherited the estates of his aunt, Barbara Ursel, on condition that he and his heirs change their name in perpetuity to Ursel.^[2]

In 1632 he, alongside the Duke of Aarschot, represented the nobility of Brabant in the Estates General.^[3]

References