Volkach in Kitzingen, Bavaria, Germany — Central Europe
Von Rechtswegen über das Menschenblut zu richten / A Legal Process Driven by Human Blood
Weit außerhalb der Stadt liegt der Galgenberg: Dort wurden Todesurteile vollstreckt. Volkach war seit 1432 Hochgerichts-bezirk. Das Salbuch zeigt einen Hochgerichtsprozesses gegen einen Weindieb. Der Angeklagte war schon verhört worden. Gestand er seine Schuld ein, dann reichte man ihm vor der Verhandlung bereits die Henkersmahlzeit. Aus dem Faulturm (Gefängnis im oberen Stadttor) wurde er auf den Marktplatz geführt. Die Verhandlung war öffentlich. Wurde ein Schuld-spruch gefällt, brach der Richter seinen Stock ("den Stab brechen") als Zeichen des Prozessendes. Am Galgenberg legte der Verurteilte die Beichte ab und wurde öffentlich hingerichtet.
[English translation:]
Execution on Hangman's Hill
Far outside the city is the "Hangman's Hill": where death sentences were carried out. Volkach had been a high court district since 1432. The "Salbuch" (see Picture 3) shows court proceedings against a wine thief. The accused had already been interrogated. If he confessed his guilt before the trial, then he was given his last meal. He was taken from the Faulturm (prison in the upper city gate) to the market square, and the trial was public. If there was a judgment of guilt, the judge then broke his stick ("break the staff"), signaling the end of the process. There on Hangman's Hill, confession over, the condemned was publicly executed.
Erected 2006 by Museum Volkach.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events.
Location. 49° 51.846′ N, 10° 13.625′ E. Marker is in Volkach, Bayern (Bavaria), in Kitzingen. Marker is at the intersection of Sommeracher Strasse and Bahnhofstrasse, on the right when traveling north on Sommeracher Strasse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Volkach BY 97332, Germany. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bei einem Backofen / At the Baker's Oven (a few steps from this marker); Peter Ochs, Metzler / Peter Ochs, the Butcher (a few steps from this marker); Und Davor ein Kapellchen und Almosenstock / And for that a Chapel and Begging Stick (a few steps from this marker); Peter Geist (a few steps from this marker); Volkach (within shouting distance of this marker); Pfarrkirche St. Bartholomäus / St. Bartholomew's Parish Church (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Schelfenhaus / Schelf House (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Obervolkach und der Fischerei / Obervolkach and the Fish Ponds (approx. 2.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Volkach.
Also see . . . Das Volkacher Salbuch - Eine Illustrierte Rechtsordnung - Der Galgenberg (Stadt Volkach). South of the city stood a hill with gallows. "Death-worthy" crimes were punished here: murder, robbery, arson, fornication, theft, and border violations. In 1432, the Bishop-Prince of Würzburg gave Volkach the right to have its own court. (Follow link for original in German.) (Submitted on December 18, 2016.)
Additional keywords. capital punishment
Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2016, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 311 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 18, 2016, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.