Donauwörth grew up in the course of the 11th and 12th centuries under the protection of thecastle of Mangoldstein, became in the 13th century a seat of DukeLudwig II ofBavaria, who, however, soon withdrew toMunich to escape from his wife, DuchessMaria ofBrabant, whom he had there beheaded on an unfounded suspicion of infidelity. The town received the freedom of theHoly Roman Empire in 1308, and maintained its position in spite of the encroachments of Bavaria till 1607, when the interference of the Protestant inhabitants with the abbot of the Heilig-Kreuz called forth an imperial law authorizing the duke of Bavaria to punish them for the offence.[3]
Donauwörth was later the scene of theBattle of Schellenberg (or Battle of Donauwörth) on 2 July 1704, during theWar of the Spanish Succession (1702–1713). The battle was named after the village and high ground behind the city.John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, was marching fromFlanders toBavaria and came to the Danube. The French decided to make a crossing of the Danube at Donauwörth, where they were surprised by Marlborough's troops and after heavy fighting pulled back. That allowed Marlborough to capture Donauwörth and cross the Danube without any problem. Anotherbattle of Donauwörth on 7 October 1805 opened Napoleon'sUlm campaign.
