Medieval Inscription - Germany, 14th Century

Large Medieval Inscription

stone

Germany, 14th century

46 x 83 x 13 cm

... HERR

NACH DIESEN ...

VOCIRET, ALLWO ER IN DIL

JAHR SEIN AMBT TREVLICH

RVHMLICH VERWALTET.

N HEILIGEN THE STAND HAT ER G...

EBET XIV JAHR VN(D) SEI …

This fragmentary stone inscription, carved in German, appears to date from the 14th century. The style of the Gothic minuscule-inspired capitals and the orthography (such as “TREŪLICH” and “RVHMLICH”) are consistent with Middle High German transitioning into Early New High German.

The inscription likely commemorated a clergyman or civic official, noting his faithful service (“SEIN AMBT TREULICH RVHMLICH VERWALTET” — “faithfully and honorably administered his office”) and perhaps his years of service (“XIV JAHR” — “14 years”).

Given the reference to “HEILIGEN” (“holy”) and “STAND” (“estate,” possibly clerical order), this stone could have come from a church or monastery — perhaps part of a memorial plaque once embedded in a wall or floor.