Alsfeld vouches!Town privileges for Alsfeld

This deed of gift from Wezzilo of Nidda and his wife Sophie, dated March 13, 1222, is considered the “birth date” of the city of Alsfeld, as historical science dates the age of a city based on the earliest verified written record.

In this document, citizens originating from Alsfeld and residing in Grünberg were mentioned by name for the first time (“Sifridus scabinus de Adelsfelt” and “Siboldus et Fridericus Filii Siboldi de Adelsfelt” – Siegfried and his two sons Sibold and Friedrich). The term citizen or juror clearly identifies these people as city dwellers and not village residents. Furthermore, the literal translation of the term “scabini” (meaning juror) shows us that these were men endowed with citizenship rights who were recruited from long-established, highly respected patrician families and thus represented the administrative leadership of the city. (MNic)