The Story of Josef Menšík, the Last Owner and Knight of Strakonicku Castle in Dobrš

This is Josef Menšík, the last owner and knight of Strakonicku castle in Dobrš who tried to stop a convoy of German tanks while wearing a suit of armor and seated on a horse when they tried to cross into Czechoslovakia in 1938.

Born in 1870 in the Bohemian Forest, Menšík developed a fascination with history from a young age.

In 1911, he purchased the crumbling Dobrš Castle and dedicated his life to restoring it. He rejected modern conveniences, living without electricity, and filled the fortress with medieval artifacts, many of which he smuggled from abroad.

For decades, Menšík lived as a self-styled knight. Locals often saw him riding his horse in full armor, teaching history to anyone willing to listen. His castle became a place for schoolchildren to visit and learn about the Middle Ages while seeing his amazing collection of relics.

In 1938, as German forces were about to invade Czechoslovakia, Menšík’s beliefs were tested. Following the Munich Agreement, Nazi tanks began crossing into the Sudetenland. Most citizens could do little but watch in despair as their country was occupied.

Menšík refused to stay passive. When he heard that German forces were coming near Bučina, he put on his armor, got on his horse, and rode out to block the road. Armed with a sword and halberd, he positioned himself directly in the path of the advancing tanks.

The German soldiers were stunned by the surreal sight. Some hesitated, unsure of how to respond, while others laughed or gestured dismissively, believing Menšík to be mad. Eventually, the tanks moved forward, forcing him aside, but his act of defiance, though it didn’t stop the occupation, inspired many.

Josef Menšík lived to see the end of the war but passed away in 1945 at the age of 75. He became a local legend, remembered as a man who stood by his principles and dared to face an invader.