Freiheit (Königsberg)

Freedoms were settlements in the old Prussian Königsberg, were dependent in administration, justice, church and school affairs of the castles or cities, on whose territory they lay.

In Konigsberg, the upper Viscount was the highest court and the highest court for civil jurisdiction. His representative was the Chancellor. Executive organs were the castle marksmen. For criminal cases, the Hofhalsgericht was responsible.

The north of the castle located Burgfreiheit began in the Junkerngasse. Here dwelt the noble officials and Junker and working for the castle citizens and craftsmen. The Burgfreiheit never received a private court seal and coat of arms since become the seat of government, the castle belonged. Here, especially in the Castle Alley, the French Réfugiés were settled at the time of the Great Elector. Thus, the increase in the Burgfreiheit increased their importance, so that after the coronation ( 1701) to a fourth city of Königsberg, Friedrichstadt, was considered. They failed because of the professional jealousy of the other three cities (Old Town, Löbenicht and Kneiphof ) and a corruption of the powerful Minister Imperial Count Wartenberg with 200 ducats.

1809 renounced Friedrich Wilhelm III. to be Dominialeigentum the castle freedom in favor of the city.