The Berenberg family, originally from Flanders, established themselves as prominent merchants and bankers in Hamburg after fleeing Antwerp as Protestant refugees in 1585. Brothers Hans and Paul Berenberg founded Berenberg Bank in 1590, which still exists today, making it the world's oldest surviving merchant bank. Initially cloth merchants, the family transitioned to merchant banking in the 17th century, with branches extending to London, Livorno and other European cities.
1910: Berenberg-Gosslers raised to Baronial rank
In 1910, the Berenberg-Gosslers were raised to Baronial rank in the Kingdom of Prussia, which was technically a foreign country. This Prussian ennoblement was met with mixed reactions within the family and Hamburg society.
1939: Release of Fritz Warburg secured
In 1939, during the Nazi era, Baron Cornelius von Berenberg-Gossler was strongly involved in helping Jewish-origined friends and associates in Hamburg who faced persecution. He secured the release of Fritz Warburg.
1976: Name change by Joachim von Berenberg-Consbruch
In 1976, Joachim von Berenberg-Consbruch (né Consbruch), who is not descended from the Berenberg family, acquired the Berenberg-Consbruch name by civil name change in Hamburg. He worked for the bank and his stepfather was a Berenberg-Gossler.
1979: Last family member as personally liable partner
In 1979, Heinrich von Berenberg-Gossler was the last family member to serve as a personally liable partner in the company.
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