The knighthood of Schleswig-Holstein

The Rantzaus were one of the oldest and most respected families in Schleswig-Holstein. They belonged to the small, exclusive circle of knights, the ancient nobility. The knights were vassals of the king and supported him financially and militarily. In return, the king gave them land, granted them privileges such as tax exemption or jurisdiction over their estates, and gave them a say in political affairs.

The “Rantzau Era“

Heinrich’s father Johann had already established the Rantzaus‘ good and close relationship with the Danish crown. He supported King Christian III against his enemies in the battle for the throne, which the king would probably never have ascended without his gifted military commander. In return, he was rewarded with high offices and land holdings.

Heinrich Rantzau increased his father’s inheritance many times over by purchasing a total of fourteen villages and estates. In terms of power and wealth, the Rantzaus far surpassed all other noble families. They shaped their era like no other. The history of Schleswig-Holstein in the 16th century is therefore often referred to as the “Rantzau era“.

Johann Rantzau (1492-1565) in 1563 – Painting at Breitenburg (Photo: Ulrich Vogel)

Epitaph for Gerhard Walstorp in Segeberg’s Marienkirche (Photo: Ulrich Vogel)

The epitaph in Segeberg’s Marienkirche

Heinrich Rantzau always remained close to his family and his noble origins. Evidence of this can be seen in the epitaph (memorial plaque) he donated in memory of Gerhard Walstorp, his maternal grandfather. It shows Walstorp in full armour, kneeling in prayer before a crucifix. The epitaph is located in the St. Mary’s Church (Marienkirche) in Segeberg.

Mehlbek estate (district of Steinburg), built by Johann Rantzau in 1538 – Peter Lindeberg, Hypotyposis … (Repro: Detlef Dreessen)

Estates made the nobility rich

An important source of the nobility’s wealth was the estate economy that emerged in the 16th century. Estates were large agricultural enterprises that could be managed more efficiently than small farms. The higher yields could be sold at a profit due to the rising demand at the time. The downside of this development was that the farmers on the noble estates became serfs: they did not own any land themselves, had to perform compulsory labour and were ‘bound to the soil’ – which meant that they were not allowed to move away.