Principality of Calenberg

Principality of Calenberg
Fürstentum Calenberg (German)
1432–1692
Schloss und Ampt Calenberg, engraving by Caspar Merian (1654)
Schloss und Ampt Calenberg, engraving by Caspar Merian (1654)
StatusPrincipality
(state of the Holy Roman Empire)
CapitalCalenberg
Hanover (from 1636)
Common languagesGerman
Low Saxon
GovernmentPrincipality
Historical eraMiddle Ages
Early modern era
• William the Victorious first Prince of Calenberg
1432
• Incorporated Principality of Göttingen
1495
• Joined Lower Saxon Circle
1500
• Line extinct, fell back to Principality of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel
1584
• Fell to House of Hanover
1635
1692
• Acquired Lüneburg
1705
Preceded by
Principality of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel

The Principality of Calenberg was a dynastic division of the Welf Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg established in 1432. Calenberg was ruled by the House of Hanover (from the Principality of Lüneburg) from 1635 onwards; the princes received the ninth electoral dignity of the Holy Roman Empire in 1692. Their territory became the nucleus of the Electorate of Hanover, ruled in personal union with the Kingdom of Great Britain from 1714 onwards. The principality received its name from Calenberg Castle, a residence of the Brunswick dukes.