The Lords von Schleinitz on Grödel

The von Schleinitz family was one of the most influential noble families in the Margraviate of Meissen and Saxony between the 13th and 17th centuries. They also documented a significant part of Saxony's regional history. The von Schleinitz family, which once had many branches in Saxony, held a wide variety of positions in the state administration of Meissen and Saxony as well as in the church administration and, like other Saxon noble families, were important cultural figures in the region. Many members of this noble family served as economic and political advisors to the Margraves of Meissen and later the Dukes and Electors of Saxony.

A branch of the widely ramified noble family of von Schleinitz were the lords of Grödel Castle with its knight's estate and agricultural possessions. To the east of the castle were several farm buildings, stables, and cottages belonging to those employed on the estates, in the castle, and at the manor house (Rittergut). As was customary on the estates of the landed gentry, beer was brewed and schnapps was distilled in Grödel.Since Grödel was a small village and did not have its own parish, the church in the village of Zeithain became its burial place.

Grave monuments in the crypt of the church and at the church commemorate this period. Haubolt von Schleinitz in 1598, Hans Heinrich von Schleinitz in 1615, August Gottlob von Schleinitz in 1683, Christoph Heinrich von Schleinitz in 1710, and others found their final resting place in Zeithain with their wives. Heinrich von Schleinitz stipulated in his will that the crypt should be vaulted and filled in after his burial.

Based on the dates of the burials, we can assume that the Schleinitz family lived in Grödel between the 16th century and the first half of the 18th century.