Zvěřínský episkopát Alberta ze Šternberka (1356-164)
Albert of Sternberg as the Bishop of Schwerin (1356-1364)

Summary/Abstract: Albert of Sternberg was a member of an important Moravian and Bohemian noble family ‒ the Sternbergs ‒ and a prominent courtier and counsellor to Emperor Charles IV. This paper investigates Albert’s bishopric in Schwerin (1356–1364) in detail for the first time. Albert became the Bishop of Schwerin at an early age by a papal provision at Charles IV’s request in 1356. The diocese was indebted at that time and the key properties of the bishopric were controlled by members of the von Bülow noble house. After a long struggle, Albert managed to negotiate a compromise with von the Bülows. Albert only visited his bishopric twice; he controlled his diocese remotely through vicars general. Albert and his vicars general resided most frequently in Rostock; he only managed to gain control over Schwerin and the rest of the bishopric at the end of his episcopate. Albert managed to stabilize the bishopric and helped Charles IV and his allies consolidate their power in northern Germany.

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