Hundsfeld, former village (c.744 to 1938)

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Hundsfeld is a former community that was 6 km south of Hammelburg in the Lower Franconian district of Bad Kissingen, off of federal highway 27 [Bundesstraße 27]. In 1937/38, the locality was incorporated into the military excercise area of "Camp Hammelburg" [Lager Hammelburg] and the inhabitants of the village had to leave. In 1950, four residences for settlement were provided for a short time, however these had to be given up in 1955 in the course of the re-armament.

There is evidence of settlement of Mark Hammelburg in the Neolithic period. Distinct tumuli can be found in the district dating from the time of the Hallstadt culture (1000-500 BC). After the settlement of the Thüringer, the Franks settled here beginning in the 8th century. Hammelburg is mention in a document dated 777 wherein Charlemagne gives Hammelburg and the surrounding area to the Monastary of Fulda. The village of Hundsfeld up to the secularization (1802) belonged to Abbey /Bishopric of Fulda as an enclave within the domain of the Bishopric of Würzburg's lands, and as Fulda's southernmost point the village was well fortified especially in the area of the church. A first church perhaps already existed in 14th century, the last one was built 1719-38. The strong fortified church, dedictated St. Cosmos and Damien, with clerestory [Ger: Gaden] and cellars existing until 1945. The coat of arms of the Prince Abbott [Fürstabtes] at that time still exists at the east wall of the church of Rothof (1956, see below); as the majority of the building was transferred there.