Years War the house was occupied by the imperial troops under Tilly after a day's siege. They defended it against an unsuccessful attack by 800 besieging Danish troops. From 1726 Ahlden House was the residence of the state seneschals. The considerable renovation work required was completed in 1975 at a cost of 90,000 DM from state funds. An antiques auctions house bought the house for its representational headquarters, on the condition that the courtyard would be kept open for the public during the day. Limited viewing of the interior is only possible when previewing items for auctions. Prison When she was divorced from her husband in 1694 after her affair with Lieutenant Königsmarck, Sophie Dorothea of Brunswick-Lüneburg was brought to Ahlden House, where she was imprisoned until her death in 1726. See also Ahlden Notes Sources and external links Ahlden Castles in Lower Saxony Buildings and structures in Heidekreis 1549 establishments in the Holy Roman Empire