Herrschaft Hardenberg

The Lordship of Hardenberg, occupying what is now the eastern part of the city of Velbert, dates from the 12th century. It remained independent until 1354, when it was acquired by the County of Berg. The lordship nevertheless remained hereditary and as a subdivision of Berg, the Herrschaft was largely autonomous. Unlike Broich and Odenthal, however, ownership remained in the hands of Berg subjects, so I do not create a new country to account for it.