Background: This site provides some insights into the Baumeister von Bretten family of Gut Neuendorf, Germany. The reason for the creation of this site was a political science project at the St. Regis Academy, a private preparatory school in Boston, Mass. As part of the review of past political systems, the class spent several weeks reviewing several European monarchic / aristocratic societies, including the German system of nobility. As per my professor's request, I am providing a glimpse at my own family and its history in these pages. The House of Baumeister von Bretten is an example of how merit in politics or the military was frequently rewarded with ennoblement and how even in the 17th and 18th century, new noble families were created and in many cases yielded significant political influence. German nobility can be separated into several groups, the "Ur-Adel" whose members have been claiming noble status before the 15th century. Members of the "Brief-Adel" (or letter aristocracy) were ennobled somewhat later and were issued a letter of nobility from a higher noble, typically a King or Prince. The varios ranks within the German nobility can be further broken down into Hoch-Adel (higher aristocracy) and Niedriger-Adel (lower aristocracy), where members of the Ur-Adel are ALWAYS parts of the Hoch-Adel. The House of Baumeister von Bretten is a member of the lower aristocracy and was ennobled in 1650, which the attached genealogy shows.
If you have any questions, make sure to sign my guest book or e-mail me at pavonbretten@yahoo.co.uk.
