Herford

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Map of Germany showing Herford

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Herford is a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Located in the lowlands between the mountain chains of the Wiehengebirge and the Teutoburg Forest, it is the capital of the district of Herford. Population: 65,100 (1999).

Related Topics:
North Rhine-Westphalia - Germany - Wiehengebirge - Teutoburg Forest - Herford

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The town was founded in 789 by Charlemagne in order to guard a ford crossing the narrow Werre river. One century later, Matilda, daughter of Theudebert, duke of Saxony, grew up in the abbey of Herford; she was a descendant of the Saxon leader Widukind. In Herford she met Henry the Fowler, who later became king of Germany.

Related Topics:
789 - Charlemagne - Matilda - Saxony - Widukind - Henry the Fowler

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In late medieval times Herford was a member of the Hanseatic League. It was a Free Imperial City, i.e. it was directly subordinated to the emperor. This status was lost after the Peace of Westphalia (1648), when Herford was annexed by Brandenburg.

Related Topics:
Hanseatic League - Peace of Westphalia - 1648 - Brandenburg

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Herford is twinned with the town of Hinckley in England.

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