Helmstedt

Helmstedt developed near the monastery of St. Ludgeri, which was probably founded around 800 by St. Liudger. For centuries there was a connection to the Werden Abbey, also founded by St. Luidger.

Helmstedt was first mentioned as Helmonstede in 952. Until 1490, the abbots of the Werden-monastery were still the lords of Helmstedt, who then ceded their rights to the dukes of Brunswick-Lüneburg.

In the course of the throne dispute between the Guelphs and the Staufers, the city was almost completely destroyed at the turn of the year 1199/1200 by troops of the Magdeburg Archbishop and Philip of Swabia. After reconstruction, the city's fortifications were strengthened to withstand a siege in 1279. After years of war, the abbot of Werden, who acted as a mediator between the warring parties, was killed by enraged citizens in 1288. As a result, the city and its citizens were subjected to imperial ban, which was not lifted until 1290 by King Rudolf I.

Helmstedt developed into a trading town at an early stage. Between 1426 and 1518, it was a member of the Hanseatic League.

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In the Middle Ages the Beguines lived here. Now it belongs to the parish.