Amt Heinsberg

Heinsberg castle was probably built in the 11th century and a county grew up around it. The county was acquired by the Duchy of Jülich in 1484 and Heinsberg became the seat of an Amt.

 

Amt Heinsberg was originally divided into eight Gerichte, but by the 18th century, all but one of those Gerichte had been downgraded to a “Bank”. Only Gericht Brachelen retained a court. I nevertheless retain the Bänke as subdivisions and use that designation throughout the period covered by the database because I don’t know when each ceased to be a Gericht.