In 1220, Gillenbeuren had its first documentary mention. At that time, a chapel was built, and the village was called "Gildonburun". In the St. Florin Foundation (Koblenz) provost's exchange agreement on 17 March 1250 it is mentioned that the Foundation held the tithing rights to Gillenbeuren, until then held by his chapter. The village was also held by the Count of Manderscheid-Blankenheim as a fief. In 1280, Elisabeth von "Wuninberch" (Winneburg) and her son Wirich sold a year's returns in Gillenbeuren.