Season 1 · Episode 1 · G01 · The Friemanns in Altenbochum
An audio story about the earliest documented family name, freehold farms, and the medieval legal world along the Westphalian Hellweg. The episode is spoken in German.
Narrative note: This audio story combines documented names and historical foundations with historical context and narrative reconstruction. Scenic passages and personal motives that have not survived are an approach to the history rather than a literal record.
About this episode
In 1321, Sybertus “der Vryge von Altenbochum” appears in the family’s earliest known document.
The episode moves from the traditional account of documents rescued during the 1833 farm fire back to the medieval world of the Hellweg. It asks what the legal position of a free landowner meant and which rights, duties, and risks could be associated with a freehold farm.
Context: The documented foundations concerning Sybertus, the freehold farm, and the Seven Free Men are presented in the Altenbochum chapter. The audio story condenses this historical material narratively.
Go to the relevant section in the Altenbochum chapter →The documented research and its sources remain authoritative for genealogical and historical details.
Historical and family background
The earliest known document names Sybertus “der Vryge von Altenbochum.” According to the family chronicle, the byname refers to his legal position as a free landowner.
Basis: Family Chronicle, Volume 1, and the genealogical source collection evaluated there
The episode is based on Friemann aus Altenbochum—Family Chronicle, Volume 1 and the documents, transcripts, and historical research brought together there. This episode page and the Altenbochum chapter distinguish documented information, family tradition, and narrative reconstruction.
Recognize a clue?
If you know of further sources concerning Sybertus, the freehold farms, or Altenbochum, we would be pleased to hear from you.
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