German Armorial Bearings
  Siebmacher ' schen  Wappenbücher
Mecklenbury, Extinct Noble Families
Malsfield (Kreis Melsungen) 148, 149
Maxfield
Mansfield 129, 136

     In Merovingian and Carolingian times, Germany was a kingdom rulled by an elected king.  Begining in 1152 elections were held by at Frankfort / Maine.  Until 1531 the crowning of the king took place at Aochen (aix la Chapelle). Thereafter in Frankfort.

     Begining with Otto the Great in 962, the German Kings have borne the additional title of Römische Kaiser when so crowned in Rome by the Pope.  After 1508 the title was assumed even without Papal crowning.

     Now in Kreis Hettstecht, Bezirk Halle, German Democratic Repoblic, former Grafschaft.  The territory is mainly Protestant today.  One line of the ruling family Mansfeld - Bernstädter was catholic; however, the estates were absorbed by or mortgaged to Saxony and Prussia.   The name Mansfeld and certain allodial possessions were inherited by the Colloredo Dynasty.

    The Ernestine line of the house of Saxony was Lutheran and Catholic.
    The Albertine line was Catholic.

Last updated Sunday, August 15, 1999