Ulrich III, Count of Württemberg

Ulrich III (1286/1291 –11 July 1344) was Count of Württemberg from 1325 until his death in 1344.

Life
Ulrich was born between 1286 and 1291 to Count Eberhard I and an uncertain mother, either Margarethe of Lorraine (died before 1296) or Irmengard of Baden (died after 1320). He was already strongly involved in the administration of Württemberg during the reign of his father. For example, in 1319 he negotiated a treaty with King Frederick the Fair. He renewed this treaty after becoming count in 1325, when Württemberg had temporarily joined sides with Louis IV. Both Louis and Frederick claimed power in the Holy Roman Empire at this time. After their reconciliation it was possible for Ulrich to be bound closely to the Holy Roman Empire, even after the death of Frederick I. This and his regional policy of pacts and acquisitions helped strongly to enlarge Württemberg's territory substantially. Besides several gains in Alsace, the purchase of Markgröningen in 1336 and Tübingen in 1342 are notable.

Ulrich died in Alsace on 11 July 1344 and was later buried in the Stiftskirche of Stuttgart.

Marriage and children
Ulrich was married to Sophie of Pfirt. Sons from this marriage were Eberhard II and Ulrich IV, who ruled together with his brother until 1361.