The place was first mentioned in documents as "Eschelebach" in the period 1057/75. The place name is derived from the name of the water body of the same name, the defining word of which is the ash tree. In 1309 the form "Obern-Eschembach" is attested to distinguish it from nearby places of the same name (Mitteleschenbach, Untereschenbach).[6]
In the 11th century Eschenbach belonged to the bishops of Eichstätt and towards the end of the 12th century various counts became the lords of Eschenbach or Obereschenbach.[7] Around 1212/1220 Obereschenbach (since 1917 Wolframs-Eschenbach) was given as a gift to the Teutonic Order by the Counts of Wertheim. From this point on, the Teutonic Order played a significant role in the history of Eschenbach. It ruled the town for over 600 years. Eschenbach was located on an important trade route and after a while became a regional trading center as well as a secular and spiritual center. Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian granted the town city rights on December 18, 1332.
According to the land register of the Teutonic Order Commandery of Nuremberg from 1343, the Eschenbach city bailiwick owned 5 farms, 1 fief, 1 small estate, 73 farmsteads, 2 houses, the barber, 5 farmsteads, more than 66 acres of fields, meadows and gardens.[8]
From 1500 to 1806 the town belonged to the Franconian Imperial Circle, because the Franconian Bailiwick of the Teutonic Order was incorporated into this Imperial Circle. Although the Teutonic Order was not abolished until 1809 by a decree of Napoleon I, Bavaria had already confiscated the Ellingen Commandery with the (Wolframs-)Eschenbach office in 1806 as part of the abolition of knightly estates.
Towards the end of the 18th century there were 171 properties in Eschenbach. The high court, the village and community authority and the manorial authority over the properties were exercised by the Eschenbach town bailiwick of the Teutonic Order. There were also stately, municipal and ecclesiastical buildings.[9] From 1797 to 1808 the town was under the jurisdiction of the Windsbach Justice and Chamber Office.[10] At that time there were 160 houses.
Source: Wikipedia