A new town of the bishop of Münster: Hermann II gave it town rights on 12 March 1197, confirmed by the emperor the following August, freeing it from its disputed dependence on the abbey of Varlar.
The grant probably covered market and mint, taxation, its own court, the election of burgomasters and aldermen, and the right to fortify.
Who holds it
- Name
- Bishop Hermann II of Münster
- Title
- Town lord
- Confidence
- high
Lord in 1200
Bishop Hermann II.
Overlord
The bishop of Münster
How things stand that morning
The bishop's new town, in its third year.
Charter
12 March 1197, confirmed by the emperor in August 1197.
Council
Aldermen elected under the charter (probable); consuls attested only in 1287.
Walls and castle
Right to fortify (probable); no dated walls before 1250.
Trade and crafts
Market town of the western Münsterland.
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: The charter is dated; its contents are inferred.
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.