Imagine stepping back in time to 1701. Here before us stands the Barockes Herrenhaus der Familie von Glauburg. It is located in Frankfurt am Main-Nieder-Erlenbach. This Herrenhaus, often simply called die Glauburg, has a rich history.
Before this elegant structure, a Wasserburg stood here. From 1402 to 1541, it housed the Amtleute zu Nieder-Erlenbach. Then, in 1698, Johann Hieronymus von Glauburg purchased the property. By 1701, the von Glauburg family completed the construction of this Herrenhaus.
Originally, a park, a water ditch, and a wall surrounded it. Today, the former water ditch is filled with greenery. The Barockes Herrenhaus der Familie von Glauburg exudes an aura of bygone days.
The Glauburg family sold the estate in 1864. Since then, ownership has changed hands several times. Initially, it became a “Heim für verwahrloste Kinder” under the Schubothschen Stiftung. In 1911, a second addition was built.
Since the Second World War, the Anna-Schmidt-Schule has occupied the building. The Gemeinde Nieder-Erlenbach purchased it in 1939. Today, the Barockes Herrenhaus der Familie von Glauburg houses administrative offices and the teachers’ lounge.
A comprehensive renovation began in 2015. The main part concluded in 2018. In September 2020, the Herrenhaus received recognition as Denkmal des Monats. This honored its careful restoration.
You may notice the streets nearby. Untere Burggasse and Obere Burggasse bear names inspired by this building. The Anna-Schmidt-Schule’s address is Untere Burggasse 1. This shows the building’s central role in the area.
The Glauburg family itself has a fascinating background. They originated from the Reichsburg Glauburg near Büdingen. After its destruction in 1256, Gertrud von Düdelsheim and her son Johann settled in Frankfurt. Her husband Arnold likely died during the siege. In Frankfurt, their place of origin became their new family name.
Johann von Glauburg was first documented in 1267. His son Arnold became a Frankfurt citizen in 1270. He served as a Schöffe and council member. Arnold built the Glauburger Hof in the old city. It became the family’s first residence in Frankfurt. Later, it transformed into the Nürnberger Hof, a major trading center.
The Glauburg family belonged to the Patriziergesellschaft Alten Limpurg. This group comprised Frankfurt’s five most influential families. They provided the Älteren Bürgermeister 52 times until the 18th century.
Johann von Glauburg lived from 1503 to 1571. He championed the Reformation in Frankfurt. He led the city into the Schmalkaldic League in 1536. Johann successfully defended it during the siege of 1552.
The family owned significant land in and around Frankfurt. This included the Niedwald west of the Galgenfeld. They also possessed the Haus Lichtenstein on the Römerberg. Not to mention the Günthersburg in today’s Nordend.
Heinrich Ludwig von Glauburg, who lived from 1753 to 1828, was a notable family member. He served as a politician in the Reichsstadt Frankfurt. Jacob Marquard von Glauburg, 1602-1650, was also a Frankfurt politician. Friedrich Adolph von Glauburg, 1722-1789, held a similar role.
The male line of the family died out in 1828 with Heinrich Ludwig von Glauburg. The last name-bearer passed away in 1865. The Glauburg family archive is only partially preserved. Various estates are housed in the Institut für Stadtgeschichte and the Hessisches Staatsarchiv in Darmstadt.
Today, the Glauburgstraße, the Glauburgplatz, and the Glauburgschule in the Nordend commemorate the family’s legacy. These names serve as lasting reminders of their contributions to Frankfurt.
The Barockes Herrenhaus der Familie von Glauburg stands as a testament to history. Its walls have witnessed centuries of change. From a Wasserburg to a school, its story continues to evolve. It is an integral part of Frankfurt’s cultural heritage.