Lost among the many palaces in and around Nuremberg stands the Waldstromer-Schlösschen. It whispers tales of noble families and their deep connection to this land. The Waldstromer-Schlösschen is more than just an old building. It is a testament to Nuremberg’s rich history.
The Waldstromer family was one of Nuremberg’s oldest patrician families. Their story began around 1230. They were closely linked to the Stromer von Reichenbach. It is not clear if they shared the same lineage. The Waldstromers gained control over the Lorenzer Reichswald. They also held the office of imperial forest master. This office became synonymous with their name.
The position was very important. By 1230/40, it had to be shared between two families. The Waldstromers kept most of the forest court functions. This included the Zeidelgericht based in Feucht. The Koler family was below them in hierarchy. They received the forest master’s office as a fief. They adopted the name Koler from their official designation as forest master.
In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Waldstromer and Koler families caused severe damage to the forest. They granted too many usage rights. These rights were for glass furnaces, iron smelting and charcoal burning. The Inner Council of Nuremberg recognized the forest’s importance. It supplied raw materials to the imperial city. They tried to take control of the forest.
In 1372, Nuremberg acquired the forester’s office from the Kolers. Later in 1396, the Waldstromers sold their fiefdom to Nuremberg. The council maintained the division of responsibilities until 1440. They awarded the forest streamer office to a chief forester. The forester’s office went to a sub-forester.
Even after losing control of the forest, the Waldstromers kept their properties in Reichelsdorf. They also had properties in Eibach and Gostenhof. Unlike the Stromer and Koler families, they joined the patriciate later in 1729. They were then allowed to send members to the inner council.
Christoph Wilhelm Waldstromer became Nuremberg’s last mayor. In 1813, the Waldstromers were enrolled in the Bavarian nobility as nobles. The family line died out in 1844.
The Waldstromer-Schlösschen in Reichelsdorf stands as a reminder of this family’s power and influence. The property itself is beautiful. Its farm buildings are worth seeing. As you stand here at the Waldstromer-Schlösschen. Remember the families that helped shape Nuremberg. Their legacy continues to live on through the buildings that remain.