Baireuth

Baireuth, or Bayreuth, a principality or margraveship in Bavaria, which, after having preserved a more or less independent existence since 1248 A.D., was in 1769 incorporated with Anspach (q.v.), sold to Prussia in 1801, surrendered to France in 1807, and ceded to Bavaria in 1810. The capital, Baireuth, is now the chief town of Upper Franconia. It has an open and pleasant site, with good wide streets, and fine public gardens. The Stadt-Kirche dates from the 15th century, as does one of the old castles. The Sophienberg, or palace of the margraves, was rebuilt after a fire in 1753. There is an excellent opera house, but the chief interest of the place in late years centres on the large theatre erected by the King of Bavaria for the production of Wagner's musical masterpieces. A monument has been set up to Jean Paul Richter, who died here in 1825. Some trade is carried on in cotton and woollen goods, leather, parchment, and tobacco.