Armorial containing the "Aufschwörungstafel" (proof of nobility) submitted by one Engelbert Maria von Wrede zu Melschede (1742-1808) to the "Domkapitel" (cathedral chapter) of the Prince-Bishopric of Münster in 1775. In the Holy Roman Empire, a candidate to a prebend (a canonship) on most cathedral chapters had to prove he possessed a minimum number of "quarters of nobility" (usually 16) spread over the previous four generations. Here, von Wrede could prove he possessed 30 such quarters of nobility. There were 41 canons in Münster and membership was by co-option, as in nearly all the other prince-bishoprics of the Holy Roman Empire.