Georg von Gossembrot

Georg Gossembrot or Jörg Gossembrot (circa 1445 in Augsburg – 1502 in Füssen) was a financier, treasurer and financial advisor of Maximilian I, King of the Romans. By 1500, he was the most important "finance-man" of Maximilian's government. His power and close relationship with the king made Gossembrot a target of hatred and envy. He died in 1502, likely poisoned by his enemies. Biography Born around 1445, Goerg Gossembrot came from a wealthy and educated Augsburg merchant family. He studied in Ferrara from 1455. Later, he married Radegundis Eggenberger. In 1473, he gave up his citizenship in Augsburg to enter the service of Sigismund, Archduke of Austria. In 1477, as he gave Archduke Sigismund a loan, Georg Gossembrot was granted the pledge of the Ehrenberg court. Under the care of Gossembrot, the flow of goods was shifted from the Innsbruck - Zirler Berg - Scharnitz - Augsburg route to the Innsbruck - Fernpass - Ehrenberg - Augsburg route. Later – from 1490, when Sigismund's relative, King Maximilian, became the ruler of Tyrol – Gossembrot became the latter's financial advisor. Gossembrot was a benefactor to his environment and was popular with the people. Under his leadership, the court, but especially Reutte, reached its peak. In 1489, Reutte was elevated to market status. In 1500, Gossembrot gifted them the Saint Anna church. Thankful for his generosity, the people of Reutte gifted him an "eternal anniversary".