Leo Ulfeldt

Count Leo Ulfeldt (also spelled Uhlefeld) (Copenhagen, 22 March 1651 – Vienna, 11 April 1716), was a Danish nobleman who fled to Austria, where he became a Field Marshal of the Holy Roman Empire and Viceroy of Catalonia.

Family and Origin His mother was Leonora Christina, daughter of King Christian IV of Denmark, who married Corfitz Ulfeldt at the age of 15. His father soon rose to become the most powerful man in Denmark and, as Steward of the Realm, guided the country's fortunes. Soon after the King's death, however, he fell out of favor with his successor, Frederick III and the family was forced to leave the country. The deposed politician, who continued to strive for influence and power, became entangled in various intrigues, which escalated to treason. This did not diminish Leonora's love, and she traveled to England to reclaim a sum of money he had once lent to King Charles II of England. The King evaded his obligation to pay, had Leonora arrested and extradited to Denmark. There, she was held as a state prisoner under degrading conditions in the "Blue Tower" in Copenhagen for 22 years, from 1663 to 1685. Her husband drowned near Basel in 1664.

Their son, Leo however, found refuge in Austria and entered imperial service – initially under a false name.

In Austrian Service In 1682, Leo Ulfeldt was given command of a company of infantry under Field Marshal Raimondo Montecuccoli. Not long thereafter, he was entrusted with the command of a cavalry regiment. With this regiment, he distinguished himself in battle against the Turks, particularly when, with 80 Cuirassiers, he successfully defended a pass against 2,000 Tatars. He was subsequently promoted to Major general. In 1702, he participated in the Battle of Luzzara and in 1703, under Count Guido Starhemberg, he decisively defeated the enemy at Bormio.

Ancestry

Marriage and children In 1697, he married Countess Anna Maria Sinzendorf and had two sons : Anton Corfiz Ulfeldt (1699–1769), became an Austrian politician and diplomat. Franz Anton Ulfeldt (1711–1741/43), became a Privy Councilor and Sergeant Major in 1736.