Rentmeister Schenkewald vom Schloss Nordkirchen
The Story
In the southern Münsterland region stands Nordkirchen Castle , one of Westphalia’s most significant Baroque castles. Due to its sprawling grounds, this magnificent moated castle is also known as the “Westphalian Versailles.” Yet behind its stately walls, a feared steward is said to have once lived.
According to legend, Steward Schenkewald treated the tax-paying peasants with great harshness. Anyone who could not pay their rent or interest on time was harassed, had their property seized, or was even driven from their home and farm. At the same time, Schenkewald is said to have secretly enriched himself through illicit means. He was cursed repeatedly by the people of Norkdkirchen, so that after his sudden death, he found no peace. At night, he is said to have roamed the castle’s corridors and staircases, howling and rumbling. To put an end to the haunting, the castle’s residents had several Masses said.
On a dark, stormy night, a magnificent carriage drawn by four jet-black horses finally pulled up in front of the castle. Two Capuchin monks stepped out, fetched Schenkewald, and seated him between them in the carriage. With lightning speed, the carriage sped away—straight into the Davert, where he still wreaks havoc to this day.
Did you know that...
...that the Rentmeister was one of the most important figures at court? He was responsible for the finances and administration of a domain. His duties included, among other things, collecting taxes, managing leases, and keeping the accounts.
There is no clear evidence that Steward Schenkewald actually lived as the legend describes. However, records from the early 18th century mention an administrator and treasurer named Johann Heinrich Schenckwald. It is possible, therefore, that the legendary figure has a historical basis.
Today, Nordkirchen Castle is the seat of the North Rhine-Westphalia University of Applied Sciences for Finance. Any possible connections to the castle ghost are purely coincidental...
