In the second half of the 13th century a Jewish moneylender lived in Leoben. In 1396 Duke Wilhelm (1386-1406) ordered that in Leoben and in Graz promissory notes (Schuldbrief – letter of protection) of Jews should be sealed by the Judenrichter (Judge of the Jews) together with the town judge. The houses known as the “Jewish houses” located in the proximity of the castle appear to have belonged to Jews.