The noble family von Wichbike (of Wibbecke) moved their seat to Adelebsen in 1234, and built a castle upon the sandstone promontory there.

They drew their income primarily from taxation, fines, and licensing fees with respect to businesses such as brewing, the running of inns or taverns, and the exercise of trades and certain crafts.

In 1859, under the administration of the Kingdom of Hanover, the patrimonial court's jurisdiction was subsumed under the newly established royal government office at nearby Uslar.

[4][8] Originally erected as a fortress, the castle was rebuilt in 1596 with an impressive façade and numerous large rooms with windows, suitable to serve as a noble residence.

But the size of the community declined steadily in the late 19th to early 20th century, so that by 1925 there were only 46 Jews living in Adelebsen, making up 3% of the population.