Cologne in Köln, North Rhine-Wetphalia, Germany — Central Europe

Das 'Raytzenhuys' / The Raytzen House

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 13, 2019

1. Das 'Raytzenhuys' / The Raytzen House Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Hier stand das 'Raytzenhuys'
der Ritter Raitz von Frentz zu Schlenderhan
1636 erwarb es Johann Reichsfreiherr von Werth
kaiserlicher und kurbayrischer Reitergeneral
Ehrenbürger der Reichstadt Köln (1591-1652)
Er vergrösserte 1642 das Anwesen bis zum
Kümchenshof an der Gereonmühlengasse
(Legende 'Jan und Griet')
1591-1991

(English translation:)

Here stood the "Raytzen" House, owned by the Knight Raitz von Frentz zu Schlenderhan. In 1636 it came into the hands of the Imperial General of the Cavalry, Johann von Werth (1591-1652), an honorary citizen of the Imperial City of Cologne. In 1642 he enlarged the estate to the Kuemchens holdings on the Gereon Mill Road (near here).
The Legend of Jan and Griet.

Erected 1991 by Verein der Freunde und Förderer des Jan Von Werthhauses e.V. Köln.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1636.

Location. 50° 56.587′ N, 6° 56.925′ E. Marker

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is in Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Wetphalia), in Köln. Marker is at the intersection of Gereonstraße and Cardinalstrasse, on the right when traveling west on Gereonstraße. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Gereonstraße 18-32, Cologne HE 50670, Germany. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Edith Stein (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Dominican Monastery Site and Albertus Magnus (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Friedrich von Spee S.J. (approx. half a kilometer away); Dr. Friedrich Joseph Haass (approx. half a kilometer away); Matthias Joseph Scheeben (approx. half a kilometer away); Georg Simon Ohm (approx. half a kilometer away); Kapelle St. Victor / St. Victor Chapel (approx. half a kilometer away); Seitenportal des römischen Nordtores/ Side Portal of North Roman Gate (approx. 0.6 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cologne.

Also see . . . Johann von Werth (Wikipedia). "Count Johann von Werth (1591 – 16 January 1652), also Jan von Werth or in French Jean de Werth, was a German general of cavalry in the Thirty Years' War....Johann von Werth's life became a popular legend in the Rhineland and Cologne that is frequently reenacted at Karneval time: The poor peasant Jan fell in love with Griet but she wanted a wealthier partner and declined his offer of marriage. Devastated by her rejection he came upon an army recruiter and signed up to go to war. Through hard work and good fortune

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 13, 2019

2. Das 'Raytzenhuys' / The Raytzen House Marker

he rose to become a general, celebrating several victories. After taking the fort at Hermannstein he was leading his triumphant troops into Cologne through St. Severin's Gate, when he saw his former love Griet selling fruit at a market. Griet was filled with regret at turning down such a successful person and exclaimed "Jan, who would have thought it?" to which he replied "Griet, the person who should have done it!" and turns away." (Submitted on March 21, 2019.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 93 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 21, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.