Fröhstockheim Castle

Fröhstockheim Castle is a former noble residence in the Fröhstockheim district of Rödelsee in the Kitzingen district of Lower Franconia. It is located in the south of the village in Kirchgasse.

The history of the castle is closely linked to that of the village of Fröhstockheim. A noble residence in the village was first mentioned in the 13th century. Ministeriales of the Counts of Hohenlohe resided in the village, namely Albrecht Fuchs von Stockheim was mentioned in 1220. In 1455, Karl von Heßberg acquired the fief from the Hohenlohe family. In 1525, rebels in the German Peasants' War burned down the noble residence. Karl von Heßberg's son sold the ruin and the fief to the von Crailsheim family. The first owner from 1543 was Wolf von Crailsheim, who began to rebuild the castle. During the work, however, Crailsheim resided in another castle in Mainsondheim. Under his son Ernst, the new castle was completed and the family was able to move in. In the meantime, the Counts of Henneberg had established themselves as new feudal lords; from then on, they only granted Fröhstockheim to the von Crailsheim family. In the 18th century, the castle roofs were renewed in the Baroque style. It was not until the beginning of the 19th century that the members of the Crailsheim family lost secular power over Fröhstockheim. However, the castle remained in their possession. After the Second World War, an American company moved into the castle, and the Crailsheim family was housed in the outbuildings. After the war, the Crailsheims sold their Rödelsee Castle and used the proceeds to renovate the buildings in Fröhstockheim.