You can helpexpand this article with text translated fromthe corresponding articlein German.(May 2019)Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
TheHouse of Walderdorffis the name of an old and distinguishedGerman noble family,whose members occupied many important ecclesiastical positions within theHoly Roman Empire.
| Walderdorff | |
|---|---|
| Noble dynasty | |
 | |
| Founded | |
| Titles |
|
| Connected families | Hilton family |
| Traditions | Catholicism |
| Estate(s) |
|
Since the 17th century the family has been residing on Molsberg Castle in the thenDuchy of Nassau.Later several members settled and became wealthy residing inHesseas well as in theKingdom of BavariaandKingdom of Prussia.
In the 20th century one branch originally fromWiesbadensettled in the United States of whichTessa Gräfin von Walderdorfis an offspring. She would marry Barron Hilton II of theHilton family.
History
editFirst mentioned in 1198, the Walderdorff family belongs to theUradelof theRhinelandand has strong historic ties to theCatholic Church.Members of the family originally held the rank ofImperial Knight,and were later elevated tobaronialrank on 1 September 1663 and tocomitalrank on 12 August 1754 byFrancis I, Holy Roman Emperor.Since 1657 the family's seat has beenMolsberg CastleinWesterwaldkreis.
Notable family members
edit- Wilderich von Walderdorff(1617–1680), Prince-Bishop of Vienna
- Johann IX Philipp von Walderdorff(1701–1768), Archbishop-Elector of Trier and Prince-Bishop of Worms
- Wilderich of Walderdorf(1739–1810), Prince-Bishop of Speyer
- Rudolf Graf Walderdorff(d. 1866), Austrian malacologist and entomologist
- Tessa Gräfin von Walderdorff(b. 1994), American socialite