Wilderich of Walderdorf
Philipp Franz Wild Erich Graf von Nepomuk Walderdorf ( born March 2, 1739 Mainz, † April 21, 1810 in Bruchsal ) was the last Prince-Bishop of Speyer.
Walderdorffs reign was brief, from 1797. Was Exceptional until the secularization in 1802, that, contrary to other penetrations of secularization, keep his apartment in his last official residence, the Baroque castle of the prince-bishops of Speyer in Bruchsal, until his death in 1810 in the south wing, was allowed to. However, already the last sign to the dissolution of the old empire when he took office could be seen. Nevertheless, the Trier Cathedral Provost Wilderich of Walderdorf was used as Prince-Bishop of Speyer on 22 April of the year 1797.
On June 22, 1798 raised Wilderich of Walderdorf, at the suggestion of Domkapitulars Karl Joseph von Mirbach, in the diocese of Speyer serfdom. In neighboring Baden Margrave Karl Friedrich had already decided on 23 July 1783 that step.
Wild Erich von Walderdorf leaving behind only a few traces on the structural Bruchsal Castle. It was the small room north of the Princes' Hall, which was promptly get ready for his reign the start of the newly-named Prince-Bishop. The plasterers had to work to ensure all their imagination. Less it was the artistic design of the room as the waywardness of the representations, which called Wild Erich von Walderdorf. More, it was the furniture that had to decorate the room.
Beginning of the year 1799, the first French already crossed the Rhine. From Luneville Napoleon had initiated secularization. Was confirmed by the Reichstag by Emperor Franz on 9 February 1801 Peace of Luneville. Prince Bishop Wilderich of Walderdorf had to flee, but he was born on June 10, 1801 back to his official residence. Then a deputation was used to negotiating peace terms also to be able to prevail. Above all, it was the durchzusetzenden resolutions of spiritual objects. The cathedral chapter of Speyer, cathedral chapter and the Knight's pen dropped as a named " Principality of Bruchsal " now part of Baden. The now took over secular reign on 1 December 1802 and built on the administration to do so. The baroque palace of Bruchsal was declared the property of the Baden. The Prince Bishop Wilderich of Walderdorf kept the Prince, guaranteed by the state. He remained until his death in 1810 as a spiritual leader Bishop in right bank. The southern half was him available for this purpose, as well as the castle, the Hermitage, in Waghaeusel, near Bruchsal. In the northern part of the castle was referring Amalie Christiane von Baden her widow seat and gave the Bruchsal Palace last time courtly splendor.
Walderdorff was a freemason and illuminati.