Langenfeld Schloss

Haus Langenfeld was first mentioned in 1326. In 1348, Johanne Speden van Langenuelt is named. In 1356, he is referred to as a fief of the Counts of Holland. In 1370, it was probably converted into a fortified house for the first time. In 1378, the house was offered to Duke Wilhelm of Jülich-Geldern as an open house. In gratitude, Goswin Spede was promoted to Drost at the regional castle in Geldern, as well as to bailiff in Straelen. In 1452, Johan Spede inherited the house, and in 1488, Cornelia Spede is named as the owner. In 1532, the estate passed to Gaert von Erp, also known as Warrenberg. In the 16th century, there is also mention of the manor Langenfeld. The large armorial stone dates from this period. It shows Johan Erp (St. Andrew's Cross) and his wife Uland von Diepenbroich (crossed swords). These coats of arms were also in the Wachtendonk church. After 1642, Langenfeld ceased to be part of the estate due to an inheritance division and was no longer a noble seat. After several changes of ownership, the house came into the possession of Count Schaesfeld of Krickenbeck. In the 1960s, Alexander and Lia Heckmann from Krefeld acquired the property. The house was renovated. Heckmann was a long-time chairman of the German Castles Association, Rhineland regional group.