Leyenburg Castle

The estate's origins date back to 1349, when "Haus Kieckhorst" was first mentioned as a Guelders fief. This early complex was surrounded by moats and earthworks and featured a defensive tower. In 1431, it was plundered and set on fire by the robber knight Hermann von Eppinghofen. Further severe damage occurred in 1642 by Hessian-Weimar troops. The Kieckhorst family owned the estate until the 16th century, followed by the von Afferden family until 1768, and briefly by the Freneau family. In 1772, the Krefeld silk manufacturing family von der Leyen acquired the estate as a country residence. They largely demolished the old buildings and erected a Rococo hunting lodge, which was named Leyenburg. In 1832, the castle was raised by one floor and was redesigned in the Neoclassical style in the 19th century.