v23_1475 - SWITZERLAND - BASEL - BISHOPRIC OF BASEL - WILLIAM RINCK VON BALDENSTEIN Deux batz 1624 Bâle

SWITZERLAND - BASEL - BISHOPRIC OF BASEL - WILLIAM RINCK VON BALDENSTEIN

(1608-1628)

Basel, an ancient Roman fortress, is mentioned for the first time in 374 under the name of "Basilia". In the 7th century, the city was raised to the rank of bishopric, then in 912, it was integrated into the kingdom of Burgundy before passing in 1032 under the authority of the Holy Empire. Basel opposed the Habsburgs and in 1501 joined the Confederation. The Reformation was introduced there in 1529 and the bishop was forced to flee; several towns of the former bishopric of Basle, however, remained under Catholic rule. Guillaume Rink von Baldenstein succeeded Jacques Christophe Blarer in 1608.