#87 The Battle of Bayenturm 1262

In 1259, Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden seized power in Cologne, overthrowing the city's patrician families and imprisoning several in Are Castle. After Konrad's death in 1261, the patricians hoped his successor, Engelbert II von Falkenburg, would restore their rights. However, despite early promises, Engelbert betrayed them, maintaining the city's control for himself. When relatives tried to free the prisoners, they were themselves captured. Eventually, the prisoners escaped and, with help from the citizens, negotiated their return. But Engelbert demanded high payments and further tightened his grip. Tensions erupted on 8 June 1262 when Cologne's citizens, alongside the patricians, rose up violently...