Drolshagen
Drolshagen is a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, with a history dating back to at least the 12th century. It was granted town rights in 1477 and was a member of the Hanseatic League. The town is known for its Cistercian monastery, founded in 1235, though only parts of its buildings remain today.
Key Facts
- ›Drolshagen was granted town rights on March 2, 1477, by Ruprecht, Archbishop of Cologne.
- ›A Cistercian monastery was endowed in Drolshagen in 1235 by Mechthild of Sayn and her husband Henry III of Sayn.
- ›The town was a member of the Hanseatic League in 1604, trading with other Hanseatic cities.
- ›Drolshagen was almost destroyed by fire in 1838 and was rebuilt with a grid pattern for its streets.
- ›The town's Romanesque Catholic church, St.-Clemens-Pfarrkirche, has a tower with roots in 1491.
- ›Parts of the former Cistercian monastery buildings still exist and now house municipal offices and a music school.
Romanesque
St.-Clemens-Pfarrkirche, Former Cistercian Monastery Buildings, Waldkapelle HüNkesohl, Grid Street Pattern
Draulsen, Draulzen
Ruprecht, Hermann Iv, Mechthild of Sayn, Henry Iii of Sayn, Anno of Cologne
- Granted Town Rights In 1477
- Member of the Hanseatic League In 1604
- Nearly Destroyed By Fire In 1838
- Dissolution of the Monastery During Secularization In 1803
- Municipal Restructuring In 1969
About Drolshagen
Drolshagen is a town situated in the Sauerland region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, lying approximately 5 kilometers west of Olpe. Its history is marked by its establishment as a 'Freiheit' before officially receiving town rights on March 2, 1477, granted by Ruprecht, Archbishop of Cologne. This charter entitled the settlement to a market and walls, with rights later strengthened by Archbishop Hermann IV, who added the privilege of holding a fair.
Historical Context and Monastery
The area, historically part of the Duchy of Saxony, later fell under the Archbishopric of Cologne. A significant institution in Drolshagen's past was the Cistercian monastery, endowed in 1235 by Mechthild of Sayn and her husband Henry III of Sayn. While the monastery was dissolved during the Secularization in 1803, remnants of its buildings endure and have been repurposed. The town's name itself is believed to derive from a knight named Drogilo who established a 'Hag' (a hedged enclosure) named Drogileshagino.
Notable Features and Development
Drolshagen was a member of the Hanseatic League in 1604, engaging in trade with other cities, particularly in Eastern Europe. A devastating fire in 1838 led to the town's near-total destruction, after which it was rebuilt with a distinctive grid pattern for its streets. Fortunately, the town was spared bombing during World War II, allowing many of its older structures to survive. Today, parts of the former monastery house the town building office and music school, and host cultural events. The Romanesque St.-Clemens-Pfarrkirche, with a tower dating from 1491, stands as a testament to the town's ecclesiastical history.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Drolshagen founded?
The town of Drolshagen was granted town rights on March 2, 1477. However, it existed as a 'Freiheit' (freedom) with privileges close to town rights even before that date. The Cistercian monastery, a significant historical element, was endowed in 1235.
What is the historical significance of the Cistercian monastery in Drolshagen?
The Cistercian monastery in Drolshagen was founded in 1235 by Mechthild of Sayn and her husband Henry III of Sayn. Though dissolved during Secularization in 1803, parts of its buildings remain and have been renovated, now serving as the town building office and music school.
What architectural styles are present in Drolshagen?
The St.-Clemens-Pfarrkirche features Romanesque architecture, particularly its tower which dates back to 1491. The town was rebuilt with a grid pattern after a fire in 1838, preserving some older buildings.
Is Drolshagen still an active town with a monastic community?
The Cistercian monastery in Drolshagen was dissolved in 1803, so there is no longer an active monastic community associated with it. The town itself remains an active municipality.
What are some notable historical events in Drolshagen?
Drolshagen was granted town rights in 1477 and was a member of the Hanseatic League in 1604. A significant fire nearly destroyed the town in 1838, after which it was rebuilt with a grid street plan. The town was spared bombing during World War II.
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