Frederick Achilles, Duke of Württemberg-Neuenstadt

Who was Frederick Achilles, Duke of Württemberg-Neuenstadt?

Frederick Achilles of Württemberg-Neuenstadt was the first Duke of Württemberg-Neuenstadt from 1617 until 1631.

The Duchy of Württemberg-Neuenstadt was a branch line of the ducal House of Württemberg in the 17th and 18th century named after the town of residence, Neuenstadt.

Duke Frederick Achilles was the second youngest son of Duke Frederick I. Following a Fürstbrüderlicher Vergleich - a mutual agreement made between ducal brothers on 7 June 1617, the sons of Frederick I split the inheritance such that the eldest son, Johann Frederick, assumed rule of the Duchy of Württemberg while his remaining brothers assumed possession of other ducal properties.

Under the arrangement Frederick Achilles, then 26, was bequeathed Neuenstadt Castle and an annual endowment of 10,000 guilder. Frederick Achilles never married so after his death in 1631 the castle returned to the main line of the duchy before the Duchy of Württemberg-Neuenstadt was reinstated in 1649 under Duke Frederick.