Paul Francke (architect)
Paul Francke was a German Renaissance architect, most notable as director of works for the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg from 1564 until his death in 1615. His works include the Juleum Novum in Helmstedt, the Marienkirche in Wolfenbüttel and the Burganlage in Erichsburg.Life
Since he was born in Weimar, he was influenced by 16th century castles and town halls in Thuringia and Saxony. He is first recorded as director of works in 1564, swearing an oath to Julius, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg the following year after working for him on Hesse Castle. He is also recorded in 1573 as a 'Bauverwalter' or 'construction manager'. In 1575 he was put in charge of all the duke's building projects, including the fortifications for the new Heinrichstadt and Wolfenbüttel Castle, employing the Dutch engineer Wilhelm de Raet. Next he directed the construction of the college buildings and main 'Juleum' building for the new University of Helmstedt. In 1606 he headed the reconstruction of the former abbey church at Riddagshausen Abbey.
From 1608 he also designed and supervised the construction of the Marienkirche in Wolfenbüttel, commissioned by Henry Julius, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg. The architects Christoph Tendler, Johann Bock, Philipp Müller, Hans Vredemann de Vries and the military engineer Rochus de Lynar all also worked under his supervision as director of works.Buildings
His known works include:
