von Galen
| von Galen | |
|---|---|
| noble family | |
 | |
| Country |
 Germany |
| Titles | Freiherr, count |
| Founded | 13th century |
| Founder | Rotger von Galen |
| Ethnicity | German |
The Von Galen family is an old, noble, Westphalian family, historically Roman Catholic, from the County of Mark.
History
The earliest von Galens appeared in the twelfth century. Some branches of the family spread to East Prussia through the crusades and military expeditions of the Teutonic Order during the high and late Middle Ages. The German branches still in existence hold the titles of Freiherr (baron) and Graf (count).
Famous Members
- Bernhard von Galen, prince-bishop of Münster during the Counter-Reformation.
- Clemens August Graf von Galen, who as bishop of Münster opposed the Nazis.