Since 1233

The von Berlepsch Family

800 years of family history: hereditary chamberlains of Hesse, Luther’s protector at the Wartburg, scientists, ministers and artists.

A journey through time

c. 1070

According to tradition, the family lived at Jühnde Castle near Göttingen.
1233

First documented mention of the family (“Cunradus de Berleibisin”).
1311

First seal showing the green ring-necked parakeets – the parakeet coat of arms.
1369

Arnold becomes the first hereditary chamberlain of Hesse – an office held by the family to this day. Berlepsch Castle on the Werra has been built and the family seat since 1369.
1521

Hans von Berlepsch shelters Martin Luther, alias “Junker Jörg”, at the Wartburg.
1618–48

The Thirty Years’ War brings plunder – the family archive at Hübenthal is lost.
1790

Purchase of Proschwitz Palace near Meissen.
1908

Deposit agreement: the family archive passes into state custody.
Today

Berlepsch Castle remains in the family – voted Hesse’s most beautiful castle in 2011.

800 years of family history: from the first documented mention in 1233 and the hereditary chamberlainship of Hesse to the present day.

Notable members of the von Berlepsch family – from Luther’s protector at the Wartburg to scientists, ministers and artists.

Castles, palaces and villages of the family history – from Berlepsch Castle on the Werra to Proschwitz Palace near Meissen.

Five green ring-necked parakeets on a golden field: the family coat of arms, its elements, seals and history since 1311.

Original documents from eight centuries – with transcriptions from the 1369 charter to the 1790 Proschwitz purchase contract.

The family bibliography: books by and about von Berlepsch, historical works and new publications.

Paintings, engravings and photographs from the family history – and a warning about forgeries.

The family and its name around the world.

The von Berlepsch archive at the Hessian State Archives in Marburg and its scholarly cataloguing.