Kakesbeck Castle

One of the largest medieval fortifications in the Münsterland region

Kakesbeck Castle is the oldest moated castle in Germany, located three kilometers north of Lüdinghausen, and is impressive in size alone. Most of the current building dates back to the period between the 14th and 16th centuries, but its origins date back to around 800. In its heyday, the complex covered an area of almost one square kilometer, had five outer castles and, in addition to the walls, was protected by a good 30,000 m2 of water and an elaborate system of moats, ramparts, bridges and gates. Since 1971, Kakesbeck Castle has been continuously renovated by the owners - it is now owned by a foundation.

Today, Kakesbeck Castle is a two-part complex consisting of a core and a bailey area and is surrounded by an extensive system of moats fed by the River Stever.

Picture gallery

The history

The castle was first mentioned in the 9th century in the so-called Urbaren of Werden Abbey. Around 1100, the estate came into the possession of the Counts of Dale through an exchange. After the extinction of several dynasties in the male line and various marriages, the castle became the property of the von Heidenreich von Oer family.

In the early 14th century, the foundation stone of today's castle was laid and Bernhard de Droste expanded it into a "two-island castle" before it passed into the possession of the von Oers family at the end of the 14th century. Its owners then gradually expanded the estate. A second and third outer bailey were built with the Hildegardi Tower, an oil mill, a 30-metre-high keep, farm buildings, two further towers and a drawbridge.

There is archaeological evidence of 22 houses and nine towers in the castle.

Under the von Oer family, the manor house was fundamentally remodeled and extended to the east from 1601 for Bernhard von Oer and his wife Margaretha Quadt von Wickrath. An engraved date still bears witness to this today. In 1684, the moated castle passed into the ownership of a noble family from Mark Brandenburg through marriage, before the Drosten zu Vischering acquired the castle in 1738 together with 80 farmsteads.

After the castle had passed through several hands, Dr. Wilfried Grewing acquired the castle in 1971 - he had read an advertisement in an Essen newspaper which read: "Castle for sale". Since then, he had dedicated himself to renovating and researching the castle and lived there with his wife Hildegard until his death. On January 1, 2016, the couple transferred the castle to the "Dr. Wilfried and Hildegard Grewing - Kakesbeck Castle Foundation". This foundation is dedicated to the reconstruction and revitalization of the castle.

Lambert von Oer and the collar

An incredible story that is said to have taken place at Kakesbeck Castle is about the knight Lambert von Oer. When he was lord of the castle at Kakesbeck, he is said to have been in dispute with Gottfried von Harmen zu Horne, known as Goddert, over the ownership rights to estates near Ahlen in 1520. According to the story, Goddart and six of his loyal followers ambushed Lambert near his castle and had an iron collar with thorns on the inside put on him to force him to give in. Lambert then rode to Münster to a weaponsmith, who chiseled the collar. The original collar is now on display in the Münsterland Museum at Vischering Castle, while a faithful replica can be found at Kakesbeck Castle.

Dr. Wilfried and Hildegard Grewing Foundation - Kakesbeck Castle

The Dr. Wilfried and Hildegard von Grewing Foundation aims to make Kakesbeck Castle accessible and accessible in the spirit of its former owner. In its reconstruction efforts, the foundation is concentrating on the main castle.

The library is to be open to the public and part of it will be converted into the castle tavern, a public restaurant. Concerts and readings are to be held in the Knights' Hall and the vaulted cellar. The list of ideas is long. Many friends of the castle and Lüdinghausen stakeholders have already been on site for workshops to plan activities. The chairman of the foundation, architect Bernd Sparenberg, is looking forward to "lots of life at the castle".

In addition to the already completed Gothic vaulted cellar, the bust of Lambert von Oer (made by Annette Wittkamp-Fröhling) and a replica of the legendary necklace will be part of the permanent exhibition in the Knights' Hall. The two floors of the manor house, like the library and castle café, will in future meet all accessibility requirements and will be handicapped accessible.

The Magic Art Foundation will also move into Kakesbeck Castle. A public museum of the art of magic is to be created to offer visitors a further attraction in addition to a tour of the castle complex. The Magic Art Foundation will be located in the castle's former "Bauhaus".