 The town was first mentioned as "Fredberg" in a 1235 deed issued by the Lusatian margrave Henry III of Meissen.A 1301 contract signed by Margrave Frederick I named a town and castle of "Vredeburch", then a possession of the Lords of Strehla, who served as "ministeriales" of the ruling House of Wettin.The present name first appeared in a 1350 bull issued by Pope Clement VI.