Wanfried

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WANFRIED

State : Hessen
District (Kreis) : Werra-Meissner Kreis (until 1974 Eschwege)
Additions : 1971 Völkershausen; 1972 Altenburschla, Aue, Heldra

Official blazon

In silber ein rotes Feld im Herzbereich des Schildes. Davor die Büste eines gerüsteten Ritters.

Origin/meaning

Wanfried received city rights in 1608 by Margrave Moritz of Hessen, but the oldest seal already dates from 1578. The seal shows the knight with a sword and spear. Ever since the knight has been the arms of the city. The image itself has changed considerably, sometimes a whole knight, sometimes a torso, with or without spear etc. The present image has been in use since the end of the 19^th century.

The origin of the knight is not known. It has been stated in a document from 1613 that it is St. Bonifatius, but this is not likely. It has also been explained as a canting symbol (Wahr'n Fried, or peace-keeper), but the origin remains uncertain.