The Golden Age of the Middle Ages

The County in the 13th Century

The 13th century can be characterized as the heyday of the County of Ravensberg. While at the beginning of the century the counts had suffered the loss of their North German estates around Vlotho and in the Emsland region as a result of inheritance disputes and the division of their domains, they were now able to consolidate their holdings in the Teutoburg Forest. For the first time, one can begin to speak of a relatively clearly defined Ravensberg territory, centered around the regional castles of Ravensberg in the west, Sparrenberg in the center and south, Limberg in the north, and Vlotho in the east.

The Life and Work of Count Otto III

In addition, settlement expansion intensified. Count Otto III of Ravensberg, who assumed the reins of government in 1257, founded the Bielefeld Neustadt, for example. Gradually, the city, together with the Marienstift, developed into the spiritual, political, and cultural center of the county. In the rural areas of his territory, the count had land cleared and cultivated, establishing new settlements there as well. He also sought to consolidate judicial authority in his own hands. At the same time, it must not be overlooked that the count did not always shy away from feuds and violent disputes—for his contemporaries, these were legitimate means of resolving conflicts. Of course, one also encounters pacts of peace during this period—that is, treaties in which neighboring powers pledged mutual protection and support. Moreover, Otto III had coins minted; one of his brothers served as bishop of Osnabrück—all signs of the Ravensberg dynasty’s powerful position in the region at that time. It is therefore hardly surprising that minstrels of the era praised the ruler for his deeds. The famous Heinrich von Meißen, known as Frauenlob, for example, referred to Otto III as the “Excellent One of Ravensberg.” After his death on March 25, 1305, the much-praised Count of Ravensberg found his final resting place in Bielefeld’s St. Mary’s Church alongside his wife, Hedwig of Lippe. There, a magnificent tomb still stands today as a testament to Otto III.

Ravensberg's Golden Age

The Hall Building

Quality of Life and Governance