The formation of manorial estates – both individually and within the territories of Gutsherrschaft as a whole – was a protracted process, especially in Eastern and Central Europe. The beginnings go back to the late Middle Ages, the decisive processes took place in the 16th century, an initial high point was reached after the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648), and a second in the 18th century. While the sources for the later phases are relati…