Powerful Burgmannen: Knight between Loyalty and duty in the Middle Ages

Powerful Burgmannen: Knight between Loyalty and duty in the Middle Ages

The role of the "Burgmannen" in Minden's city history is of crucial importance. These members of the service base, often from the surrounding area of ​​the Minden bishop, lived with their families and the servants in fortified farm systems within the city. Not only did civilian functions, but were also military active. In return for the courtyards awarded as episcopal fiefs, the Burgmannen were part of the military contingent of the bishop and performed services on the Landesburg Reineberg, such as the Westfalen Blatt reported.

The term "Burgmann" is derived from the German word for the castle. In the 12th century, a Burgmann was a knight or a member of the nobility who had the obligation to guard and defend castles. This role was not only a military obligation, but also a matter of the administration. Burgmänner were responsible for various tasks, such as the protection of the castle, the defense in attacks and the administration of the surrounding country. The supporting forces included goalkeepers and towerers who guarantee the security of the castle, as the wikipedia noted.

The duties of the Burgmannen

Burgmannen often entertained legal and administrative powers. In 1111, for example, a Salzburg Burgmann had the right to punish a ministerial man who violated the order. This rule of jurisdiction and the exercise of military obligations were part of their contractual agreements, which were recorded in the so -called Burgmann contract. The contract determined the presence and equipment requirements. In addition, the lord was obliged to provide the Burgmann a free accommodation, known as Burgmannshof.

The castle team could consist of several castle men who were subordinate to the castle lord or a castle commander. Over time when the Burgmann system developed, it was shown that the residence obligation was replaced by armed servants, which modernized the military structure within the castles and adapted to the changing conditions of time.

meaning of the castles in the Middle Ages

In general, castles as architectural and social structures are closely linked to the feudal society of the Middle Ages. They not only served as military bases and residence for nobles, but also as organizational points of the land rule and protected the surrounding economic institutions. The heyday of the castle building extended from the 12th to the 13th century and collapsed with the development of the Roman-German area. Burges that were often built on increased layers were of great strategic importance and had various functional arrangements that can be summarized in an overview as follows:

With the emergence of new war techniques and the increase in urban bourgeoisie, many castles lost their military relevance. In this transformation phase, many castles began to change their benefits, convert or even fully decay. The development of castles and the role of the Burgmannen were influenced by many social, military and political factors that shaped European history. The importance of the castles during this time was not only a military nature, but also included social and economic aspects, which is why it served as central elements of medieval society. The comprehensive influence of Burgmannen on these structures remains a fascinating chapter in city history and the feudal society.