Mysterious fake: Discovered certificate from Charles of the Great time!

Mysterious fake: Discovered certificate from Charles of the Great time!

On April 2, 2025, a fascinating and at the same time humorous April Foolers in Oberhausen deals: The city presents a certificate from the "Certificate Westerholt" inventory, which affects the first mention of the fort from 1188. This document is a fake and is shown in the Oberhausen City Archives, one of the few archives with such a document stock, which mainly includes parchment certificates from 1461 to 1715. The oldest original certificate is dated April 24, 1461, and the city acquired the archive stock in 1952.

The Oberhausen City Archives is not only a place to store historical documents, but also an important center for researching the region's economic and social history. One of the parchment certificates shown, dated July 25, 1527, is the will of Heinrich and Katharina von der Höven and documents the management of the Westerholt family. The archive includes a variety of documents, including property transactions and accounting, which give important insights into the history of the city.

The history of the castle fetches

The castle Holten has a long and eventful history. The origins go back to 1188 when the castle was mentioned for the first time. Holtens' settlement developed from the then castle, which offered a shelter for the population. Engelbert II of the Mark married 1298 Mechthild von Holte, which led to the acquisition of city rights for Holten in 1310.

In 1355, the fort lost its strategic importance to Dinslaken and was temporarily pledged to the Loë family. During the Eighty Years' War, the castle was occupied by Spanish soldiers in 1586 and 1598, followed by further occupations by various troops in the 17th century. Significant changes took place in the 16th and 18th centuries when, among other things, casemates were created for firearms.

The city archive as a cultural heritage

The Oberhausen City Archives is the keeper of important documents and information that is important for city history. It enables citizens and scientists to have access to the records that document the city's actions. In the future, events such as the "Discover Oberhausen City History (s)" series will continue to take place in 2024/25 to introduce a wide audience to city history.

The archive invites citizens to get advice on suitable archives. However, interested parties have to register at least two working days in advance in order to receive access to the comprehensive stocks. This opening for the public strengthens transparency in administrative action and promotes an informed civil society in Oberhausen.

The city archive and the castle are not only historical sites, but also lively remains of culture and history that shape today's Oberhausen. The storage and digital presentation of documents ensure that these valuable information will also be obtained for future generations.