(ca. 1518-1568)
Born in Flanders, the count of Hornes entered into the service of Emperor Charles V and traveled widely throughout Europe. He returned to the Netherlands in 1555 and, the next year, was elected a knight of the Golden Fleece. He was appointed an admiral general and a councillor of state by King Philip II. Together with William of Orange and the count of Egmont, he petitioned both for the removal of Cardinal Granvelle, who, as adviser to the governor, Margaret of Parma, sought to restrict local liberties, and for a pardon for the confederate noblemen agitating for redress of grievances. Philip opposed threats to Spanish political and religious authority. Hornes, although defiant in championing religious toleration and local privileges, declined to take up arms against him. Impatient to know Philip's intentions toward him, Hornes left Leuven, where he had greeted the arriving duke of Alba, for Brussels on 7 September 1567. He was arrested two days later together with the count of Egmont. Charged with high treason, which invalidated his claim of privilege from arrest afforded by membership in the Golden Fleece, Hornes was imprisoned at Ghent. Condemned by the Council of Troubles, he was escorted back to Brussels by more than 3,000 Spanish soldiers and lodged in the Maison du Roi. He was beheaded on the Grand' Place on 5 June 1568. Public outrage stoked open revolt.
See also Wars of Religion.
Historical Dictionary of Brussels. Paul F. State.