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Schloss Lenzburg

Schloss Lenzburg is a castle founded above the old part of town of Lenzburg in the Canton of Aargau, Switzerland. It ranks among the oldest and most important high-of Switzerland. The castle stands on a hill, which rises about 100 meters over the surrounding plains. The oldest parts of the castle were built in the 11th century. The castle, its historical museum and the castle hill with its Neolithic burial grounds are listed as heritage sites of national significance.

History

Schloss Lenzburg was first mentioned in 983 as a master seat of the Grafen von Lenzburg, who at that time meaning Lehensherren in the Swiss mainland. In 1173, this was assigned it as Lehen to Kyburger. In 1230, at the foot of the schloss, a market settlement was created. It lasted until 1273 up to the conquest of the Aargaus by the oath comrades in the year 1415 by Habsburg, Austria. From 1444-1788, Landvogt governed. In 1804, one year before the Canton of Aargau was formed, ownership of the castle was transferred.

The castle had been rented from the canton for the following period, until its sale in 1860. For the following period the castle had several owners, including the father of the German poet Frank Wedekind. In 1893 the American owners renovated the castle. In 1956 the canton finally acquired the castle, and converted it into a historical museum.

Landvogtei

The Landvogtei became the office and house of the Bernese Landvoegte. An older structure was destroyed in 1518 by a fire.

North wing

The current home of the museum's offices.

Ostbastion

Literally, the "East Bastion," it lies at the eastern edge of the inner court. It was built during the Thirty Years' War to close the gap between the palace and the Landvogtei and to protect the castle against cannon bombardment. After deteriorating, it was replaced by a rose garden under the ownership of American August Edward Jessup.

Palace

Currently home to a Café, the palace was originally built by Grafen von Lenzburg in 1100.

Knight's House

This building's construction began under Habsburger rule in 1340.

Tower

The tower was built between 1150–1170 by the Grafen von Lenzburg to the palace. The owner died during the work and the building remained unfinished during almost 200 years. The tower was not finished until 1344. The area has been a prison since the 17th century on the first upper floor. It is still visible today for tourists visiting the museum. In 1900 the tower was reconstructed by its American owner and received its current appearance.

Owners of Schloss Lenzburg

c.983: Ancilia von Lenzburg
c.1000 - 1173: Counts of Lenzburg
1173: Emperor Barbarossa
1173 - 1273: Counts of Kyburg
1273 - 1415: Dukes and kings of Habsburg
1415 - 1798: City of Berne (starting from 1433 in full possession, starting from 1444 as seat of the Landvogts)
1803 - 1860: Canton Aargau (rented from 1822 to 1853 as aneducating home)
1860 - 1872: Konrad Pestalozzi Scotchburn
1872 - 1893: Dr. Wedekind (father of the poet Frank Wedekind)
1893 - 1911: August Edward Jessup (comprehensive renovation)
1911 - 1925: James W. Ellsworth
1925 - 1951: Lincoln Ellsworth, son of James
1951 - 1956: Marie Luise Ellsworth Ulmer, widow of Lincoln
1956 - today: Canton of Aargau