Liebistorf
Origin of the name Liebistorf
The village appears in 1249 as « Lubistorf », then in 1271 as « Lübistorff ». The form Liebistorf has only been in use since the 17th century. A local tradition links the name to the peat once dug in the surrounding area.[1][2]
Founding of Liebistorf
Liebistorf is a street village in the hills between Murten and Laupen, built partly along an old road running south-west to north-east and partly along the Biberen. It always belonged to the parish of Gurmels. Its two mills shaped its history, and in the 15th century a small lordship formed there, probably around the Velga family. The von Erlach and von Diesbach families followed. Liebistorf is now part of the municipality of Gurmels (merger of 2003).[1][2]
History of Liebistorf
1249. First mention, as « Lubistorf ».[1]
1271. On 14 September the knight Berthold von Schüpfen gives a mill to the Knights Hospitaller of St John in Fribourg, probably the later lower mill.[1][2]
1340. In April the village is said to have been badly plundered. It reportedly belonged at the time to the knight Wilhelm Velga.[2]
15th century. A lordship takes shape, probably in the hands of the Velga family.[1]
1496. The upper mill begins to be enlarged.[1]
1547. From this year at the earliest, the lordship passes to the von Erlach family.[1]
17th century (or 1577). The village community builds the Catholic chapel of St Urban.[1][3]
1599. The lordship passes to the von Diesbach family, who from then on call themselves Diesbach-Liebistorf.[1]
Around 1820. The first school is built. It is enlarged in 1902.[1]
1828-1957. A sawmill is in operation.[1]
1840 (or 1838). The chapel of St Urban is rebuilt.[1][3]
1883-1982. From August 1883 to March 1982 Liebistorf is administered jointly with Kleinbösingen.[2]
1961. The lower mill is demolished.[1]
Since the 1970s. New estates of detached houses break up the traditional layout of the village.[1]
2003. Liebistorf merges with Gurmels, Guschelmuth and Wallenbuch under a decree of 17 September 2002.[1][2][4]
Population of Liebistorf
Sources and references: [1]
| 1811 | 356 |
| 1850 | 310 |
| 1900 | 374 |
| 1950 | 400 |
| 1980 | 384 |
| 2000 | 636 |
Historic sites in Liebistorf
Chapel of St Urban. The village's Catholic chapel, which dates from the 17th century (or was built by the community in 1577), was rebuilt in 1840 (or 1838).[1][3]
Upper mill. Enlarged from 1496 onwards, it now forms a hamlet with 19th-century buildings.[1]
Remains in Liebistorf
Lower mill. Probably the mill given to the Hospitallers in 1271, it later passed to the Velga family and was demolished in 1961.[1]
Sources
- Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Liebistorf » (Hermann Schöpfer, version du 21.01.2008)
- Commune de Gurmels, « Liebistorf » (histoire des villages)
- Commune de Gurmels, « Jahrzahlen Geschichte » (chronologie, PDF)
- État de Fribourg, Recueil systématique (RSF 141.1.2), « Liste chronologique des fusions, divisions et changements de nom des communes »
Other villages near Liebistorf
Missing information, or do you have a source? Suggest a correction or addition. Every submission is checked before it's published.
Suggest a change