Wipperfürth
Catholic (implied by St. Nicholas church and former Franziskanerkloster)·Germany·Municipality (historical town)·12th century
Wipperfürth, a municipality in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is recognized as the oldest town in the Bergisches Land region. Its history dates back to at least 1131 when it was documented as "Weperevorthe" and received town rights between 1217 and 1222. The town played a significant role in medieval trade as a member of the Hanseatic League and was a center for coinage, notably being the first in Germany to mint Groschen in 1328. Despite numerous town fires throughout its history, Wipperfürth has retained elements of its historical architecture and town planning.
Key Facts
- ›First documentary mention dates from 1131, designating it as a town (Oppidum).
- ›Received town rights between 1217 and 1222.
- ›Was a member of the Hanseatic League since the 14th century, with merchants traveling to various European cities.
- ›Began the first coinage of Groschen in Germany in 1328 under King Louis the Bavarian.
- ›The town's coat of arms, dating back to around 1250, features a city wall and the St. Nicholas church.
- ›Suffered from numerous town fires throughout the 14th and 15th centuries.
St. Nicholas Catholic Parish Church, Protestant Church, Antoniuskirche, Remnants of Town Wall On Klosterberg, Market Square With Market Well, Altes Seminar, Former Franziskanerkloster, Kierspe Dam, Neye Dam, Schevelinger Dam, Bever Dam
Hanseatic City of WipperfüRth, Weperevorthe
Adolf V. Von Berg, Rudolf Von Habsburg, Louis the Bavarian
First Documentary Mention, Received Town Rights, Mint Relocated From Wildberg To WipperfüRth, Began First Coinage of Groschen In Germany, Numerous Town Fires, Capital Town of Its District
About Wipperfürth
Wipperfürth is a municipality in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, recognized as the oldest town in the Bergisches Land region. Situated approximately 40 km northeast of Cologne, its history is deeply rooted, with the earliest documentary mention dating back to 1131, when it was referred to as "Weperevorthe" in the Siegburger Mirakelbuch and already designated an Oppidum (town).
Historical Significance
The town officially received its municipal rights between 1217 and 1222. Wipperfürth's strategic importance is highlighted by its administrative governance under Count Adolf V. von Berg from 1283. A significant economic development occurred in 1275 when King Rudolf von Habsburg permitted the Count to relocate his mint to Wipperfürth, where coins were struck according to the Cologne model. Further cementing its monetary importance, Wipperfürth became the first town in Germany to mint Groschen in 1328, following a privilege granted by King Louis the Bavarian. Its prominence in trade was further solidified by its membership in the Hanseatic League from the 14th century, fostering connections with cities as far as Stockholm and Novgorod.
Architectural Heritage and Challenges
The town's coat of arms, originating around 1250, depicts a city wall and the local St. Nicholas church, symbolizing its civic character. Remnants of this historical town wall can still be observed on the Klosterberg, and the oldest buildings are situated around the market square, which also features the market well. Despite its historical significance, Wipperfürth's development was repeatedly hampered by numerous town fires that occurred throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, including incidents in 1333, 1352, 1368, 1383, 1404, 1412, and 1465. From 1815 to 1932, Wipperfürth served as the capital of its namesake district.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Wipperfürth first mentioned in historical records?
The earliest documented mention of Wipperfürth dates back to 1131. In the Siegburger Mirakelbuch, the place is already designated as an Oppidum, which translates to town.
When did Wipperfürth officially become a town?
Wipperfürth received its town rights sometime between the years 1217 and 1222. This marked a significant step in its development and administrative status.
What was Wipperfürth's role in medieval trade?
From the 14th century onwards, Wipperfürth was a member of the Hanseatic League. Businesspeople from the town engaged in trade with distant cities such as Stockholm, Dorpat, Malmö, Novgorod, Reval, and Lübeck.
What is significant about Wipperfürth's history of coinage?
King Rudolf von Habsburg allowed the Count of Berg to move his mint to Wipperfürth in 1275, where Pfennige were stamped. More notably, in 1328, with the privilege of king Louis the Bavarian, Wipperfürth initiated the first coinage of Groschen in Germany.
Does Wipperfürth have any historical architectural remnants?
Leftovers of the original town wall from around 1267 can still be found on the Klosterberg. The oldest buildings are also located at the market square, alongside the market well.
What challenges did Wipperfürth face historically?
The town's development was significantly hindered by numerous town fires. These destructive events occurred repeatedly throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, including in 1333, 1352, 1368, 1383, 1404, 1412, and 1465.
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