02/08/2018
The name Thurn und Taxis resonates with a rich tapestry of European history, inextricably linked with the genesis of the modern postal system and an astonishing ascent into the highest echelons of nobility. While their entrepreneurial spirit and vast wealth are widely recognised, many often ponder the specific reasons behind their deep-rooted connection to the Bavarian city of Regensburg. This article delves into the intriguing history that led this venerable family to establish their enduring seat in the heart of Bavaria, tracing their journey from Lombardy to their magnificent palace in Regensburg.
The Thurn und Taxis family, originally known as Taxis, emerged from humble Lombardian origins. Their story begins in the 14th century, where they operated an efficient relay rider and later carriage service across numerous European capitals. This informal network gradually evolved into a private postal enterprise by 1490, eventually forming the backbone of the Imperial Post (Kaiserliche Reichspost) around 1600. Their early success stemmed from their innovative approach to communication. Unlike traditional messenger services, the Taxis established permanent relay lines with regular changes of riders and horses. This system significantly reduced travel times, allowing for rapid and reliable transmission of sealed dispatches, a revolutionary concept at the time. Their dedication to speed and efficiency earned them the trust of powerful rulers, most notably Emperor Maximilian I, who in 1489 commissioned them to establish a crucial relay line, marking a turning point in their fortunes and cementing their role in European communication.
The family's business acumen and indispensable service to the Habsburg emperors propelled them into a period of remarkable social and political ascension. Beginning in 1512, various members of the Taxis family received letters of nobility. By 1608, the Brussels line, which spearheaded the Imperial Post, was elevated to the status of hereditary Imperial Barons. A significant milestone occurred in 1615 when the position of Postmaster General became hereditary, solidifying the Taxis family's control over the vast postal network. This hereditary right was a testament to their unparalleled expertise and the vital role they played in imperial governance. Further ennoblement followed, with their elevation to the hereditary rank of Count in 1624.
It was during this period of increasing prominence that the family adopted the distinctive 'Thurn' prefix to their name. In 1650, with the permission of Emperor Ferdinand III, the Brussels-based Taxis family began to call themselves 'von Thurn, Valsassina und Taxis'. This change was not merely cosmetic; it was a strategic move to legitimise their ascent into the high nobility. Genealogists, commissioned by the astute Countess Alexandrine, who managed the Imperial Post for her young son, traced their (disputed) lineage to the ancient Italian noble family of Torriani, or 'della Torre' (meaning 'of the tower'). The Germanisation of 'Torre' became 'Thurn', and the crenellated tower, an emblem of the Torriani, was incorporated into their coat of arms alongside their existing badger (Tasso/Taxis). This strategic rebranding provided the 'illustrious ancestry' deemed necessary for their continued rise, paving the way for their eventual elevation to princely status.
The Imperial Diet and the Move to Regensburg
The true catalyst for the Thurn und Taxis family's relocation to Regensburg was their deep involvement in the political fabric of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1681, the Brussels line was elevated to the Spanish-Dutch princely status, and then, in 1695, to the Imperial Princely status within the Holy Roman Empire, despite not yet possessing any territorial holdings within the Empire itself. Their inclusion in the Imperial College of Princes followed in 1704. This newfound princely rank brought with it significant responsibilities and opportunities.
A pivotal development occurred in 1741 when the House of Thurn und Taxis was appointed to provide the Principal Commissioner (Prinzipalkommissar) for the Perpetual Imperial Diet (Immerwährender Reichstag). This was an immensely prestigious and politically significant role, as the Principal Commissioner served as the Emperor's representative at the Diet, the central legislative body of the Holy Roman Empire. The Diet, which had been in continuous session in Regensburg since 1663, required the constant presence of the Imperial representative and their retinue.
Consequently, the family's main business seat, which had previously moved from Lombardy to Brussels and then to Frankfurt am Main in 1701 (due to the War of the Spanish Succession), was transferred to Regensburg. This move, occurring around 1741-1748, was a direct consequence of their new political obligations. While the role of Principal Commissioner was financially demanding due to the extensive representational duties it entailed, it solidified their political influence and cemented their position within the Empire's power structure.
Regensburg thus became not just a temporary residence but a permanent home. Their commitment to the city was further underscored in 1810 and 1812. After the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, the Thurn und Taxis family lost many of their sovereign rights over their territories. However, in 1810, the former Imperial Abbey of St. Emmeram, secularised in 1803, was transferred to them by Karl Theodor von Dalberg, the then sovereign. This transfer was crucial; it was partly motivated by the desire to prevent the Thurn und Taxis family from leaving Regensburg, which would have resulted in significant job losses for the city. From 1812 onwards, the buildings and lands of the former monastery became their primary residential and business seat, later extensively converted into the magnificent Schloss St. Emmeram. This palace remains their family home and administrative centre to this day, a testament to their enduring connection with Regensburg.
The Evolution of the Postal Empire and its Decline
The Thurn und Taxis postal empire reached its zenith in the years leading up to the French Revolution. By 1787, they operated 22 main post offices, handling virtually all Imperial Post. However, the political upheavals of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly the French Revolution and the subsequent Napoleonic Wars, brought significant challenges. The family lost postal rights in various territories, first in Flanders and Brabant, then in Hanover and Brunswick. French occupation further impacted their operations.
The dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806 marked the end of the Imperial Post as a unified entity. The new sovereign states, particularly the larger ones like Bavaria and Prussia, asserted their own postal regalia. This led to the gradual decline of the Thurn und Taxis postal monopoly. While the family initially managed to negotiate individual contracts with some German states to continue operating their postal services, they faced increasing pressure. Notably, in 1812, Prince Karl Alexander ceded the Bavarian postal regale to the Kingdom of Bavaria, receiving the St. Emmeram monastery buildings and lands in Regensburg as compensation. This pivotal agreement ensured their continued presence in the city, even as their vast postal enterprise began to fragment.
Despite these setbacks, the family's resilience and negotiating prowess were evident at the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Thanks in no small part to the efforts of Princess Therese, the House of Thurn und Taxis regained possession and usufruct of former postal establishments within the German Confederation, provided no compensation had been paid by individual states. This allowed them to continue operating post services in many smaller and medium-sized states that lacked the resources to establish their own networks. The Thurn und Taxis Post continued to operate independently in several states of the German Confederation, issuing its own stamps from 1852.
However, the rise of Prussia as the dominant power in Germany ultimately led to the complete cessation of their postal activities. Otto von Bismarck, a vocal critic of the Thurn und Taxis postal monopoly, orchestrated its final dismantling. Following the German War of 1866, Prussia occupied Hesse, and Prince Maximilian Karl was compelled to sign a postal cession treaty on 28 January 1867. This agreement transferred all postal rights to the Prussian state, effective from 1 July 1867. Thus, after nearly 600 years, the Thurn und Taxis family concluded their remarkable postal enterprise, marking the end of one of the world's longest-running family businesses.
Regensburg: An Enduring Legacy
Even after the loss of their postal empire, the Thurn und Taxis family remained a significant force, primarily due to their vast landholdings and strategic investments. They had shrewdly used the revenues from their postal activities and indemnities for lost postal rights to acquire extensive estates, becoming, and remaining, Germany's largest private landowners. This diversification into land, and later industrial enterprises and breweries, secured their wealth and influence far beyond their postal origins.
Their connection to Regensburg, however, transcended mere business interests. It became their ancestral home, a symbol of their enduring legacy. The transformation of St. Emmeram into a grand princely palace, with its sprawling grounds and impressive architecture, reflects their commitment to the city. Today, the House of Thurn und Taxis continues to be led by Albert von Thurn und Taxis, with his mother, Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, playing a significant role in the family's affairs. Their presence in Regensburg is not just historical; it is a vibrant part of the city's cultural and economic life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the main reason the Thurn und Taxis family moved to Regensburg?
A: The primary reason was their appointment as the Principal Commissioner (Prinzipalkommissar) for the Perpetual Imperial Diet in Regensburg from 1741 onwards. This role required their continuous presence in the city as the Emperor's representative.
Q: When did they acquire Schloss St. Emmeram?
A: The family was granted the former Imperial Abbey of St. Emmeram in 1810 and 1812 as compensation for ceding their Bavarian postal rights. This acquisition was also intended to ensure their continued residency in Regensburg.
Q: Did they continue their postal business after moving to Regensburg?
A: Yes, they continued to operate the Imperial Post from Regensburg until its dissolution in 1806. Afterwards, they ran the private Thurn und Taxis Post in many German states until 1867, when their postal rights were fully acquired by Prussia.
Q: How did they become so wealthy?
A: Their wealth originated from their highly successful operation of the European postal system for centuries. They also shrewdly invested their profits and indemnities from lost postal rights into acquiring vast landholdings, industrial enterprises, and breweries, which continue to form the basis of their fortune today.
Q: What is the significance of the 'Thurn' in their name?
A: The 'Thurn' (meaning 'tower') was added to their name in 1650 to link them to the ancient Italian noble family Torriani (della Torre), providing them with a more illustrious ancestry deemed necessary for their ascent into higher nobility.
In conclusion, the Thurn und Taxis family's deep-seated connection to Regensburg is a compelling narrative of political necessity, strategic adaptation, and enduring legacy. Their initial relocation was driven by their crucial role as the Emperor's representative at the Imperial Diet. Their continued presence was secured by the acquisition of Schloss St. Emmeram, which became their magnificent and permanent home. While their groundbreaking postal empire may have faded into history, the Thurn und Taxis name remains synonymous with innovation, influence, and an unwavering commitment to the city that has been their cherished seat for centuries.
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