Neuhaus Castle

The origins of Neuhaus Castle are presumed to be in the 13th century, when it served as the “Newe Hus” of the Lords of Schaumberg. They used the complex to assert their claims of dominion against the Vicedomini of Würzburg and to control an important trade route. Around 1310, the castle was the allodial property of Eberhard von Schaumberg before it passed to the princely County of Henneberg in 1317, with the Schaumbergs remaining as feudal vassals. The castle also served as the seat of a small judicial district. In 1355, after the House of Wettin took over the Coburg stewardship, it became the Vogt's residence as well as the judicial and administrative seat of the Saxon office of Neuhaus. Under the bailiffs of Gottsmann, Neuhaus Castle became their enfeoffment. After the extinction of the Gottsmann family, the castle and office fell to the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg.