Museum der Schöfferstadt Gernsheim

Description

At Schöfferplatz in the western part of the town of Gernsheim in the district of Groß-Gerau in Hesse, the former site of Gernsheim Castle marks the location of a medieval moated castle, of which no above-ground structures survive today.

With the transfer of the Lorsch possessions to the Archbishopric of Mainz in 1232, defensive works were established along its borders; Gernsheim Castle was founded during this phase and occupied by burgmanns. A named mention of a burgmann dates to 1276 (Rudolfus castellanus), and from 1298 the complex served as an administrative seat.

Over the following centuries the castle changed hands several times. In 1366 the pledged ownership of one half passed to Frank VIII of Cronberg; in 1428 the Archbishopric of Mainz sold the castle to Johann Kämmerer von Dalberg. In 1460 the Archbishop of Mainz, with the consent of the cathedral chapter, sold the town, castle and toll of Gernsheim together with the associated rights to the Counts of Katzenelnbogen; thereafter Count Philipp installed his bailiff in Gernsheim.

Through further changes of ownership and military events, including the Mainz episcopal feud and the Thirty Years’ War, the castle lost its importance and was slighted. In 1689 French troops finally destroyed the remains; the ruin was later used as a quarry during the rebuilding of the town.