Principality of Mindelheim - 1705 Creation

1705 Creation

In recognition of Marlborough's efforts as commander-in-chief of the Grand Alliance's armies Emperor Leopold I proposed in 1704 to make Marlborough a sovereign prince of the Holy Roman Empire. He was created thus on 28th August 1704, then made Prince of Mindelheim on 18th November 1705 by Emperor Joseph I, and formally invested with this title on 24th May 1706 at the Imperial Diet. The principality was carved out of Imperial land in Swabia, and measured approximately fifteen square miles. The income from the Principality came to about £2,000 per annum.

Marlborough visited the principality only once in his life, in 1713, and stayed a mere four days. However he was well received by his subjects. He wrote of his visit 'I liked much better than expected but not so, as to think of living there'.

In 1713, as a conclusion of the war came about, and Mindelheim was likely to be annexed by the Electorate of Bavaria. Marlborough succeeded in getting Mindelheim swapped for the county of Mellenburg in Upper Austria, which was then elevated to be a principality for him. Mindelheim was duly annexed under the Treaty of Utrecht.