Wilhelm Jakob Rink von Baldenstein

Wilhelm Jacob Rink of Baldenstein (* January 10, 1624 at Castle Birseck, † June 4, 1705 in Pruntrut ) was from 1693 to 1705 Prince-Bishop of the Bishopric of Basel.

Life

William Jacob was a son of Johann Jacob Rink of Baldenstein, the fürstbischöflicher Obervogt the Office Birseck was. His education and training he received at the Jesuit colleges of Pruntrut, Fribourg and Lucerne. 1642/43 was followed by a study of theology and law in Freiburg im Breisgau, where he also was 1647/48 President of the University.

Already in 1640 he became a canon of the Basel cathedral chapter, which entrusted him with more offices. He was Kapitular 1648-1693, 1651-1660 and 1648-1693 Curator dean of the cathedral chapter. He had received his priestly ordination in 1651. In 1688 he was elected coadjutor of the Prince Bishop and was consecrated bishop in 1691. In 1693 he was then formally Prince Bishop of Basel. He wanted to close bind the prince-bishopric of the Confederation in 1695 and renewed an alliance with the Catholic cantons. 1702 and 1703 he even tried to join the Confederation to achieve, even though he was a German prince of the empire.

Origin

Wilhelm Jacob comes from the Basel branch of the noble family of the Grisons Rink of Baldenstein. William James was a nephew of the Basel Bishop William Rinck of Baldenstein.