Was B\u00fcderich always destined to be Meerbusch’s largest district? Probably. B\u00fcderich is a vibrant tapestry of history and modern life. Let’s embark on a journey through this fascinating town. B\u00fcderich is one of eight districts in Meerbusch. It sits near D\u00fcsseldorf and Neuss. With 1708 hectares B\u00fcderich accounts for 26% of Meerbusch’s area. In 2021 B\u00fcderich had 23578 residents making it the largest district.
B\u00fcderich lies on the Lower Rhine opposite D\u00fcsseldorf. Its story stretches back centuries. The town was first mentioned in the 11th century as “Botreche.” A listing of possessions of the Meer Abbey in 1201 included “Buderche” which means B\u00fcderich. From 1392 to 1794 B\u00fcderich belonged to the Electorate of Cologne’s Amt Linn. The Lords of B\u00fcderich were enfeoffed with the Vogtei of B\u00fcderich by the Cologne Archbishopric from 1422.
In 1569 a Cologne Archbishopric visitation found shortcomings in the Catholic parish. French troops under Napoleon occupied the area in 1794. The Tranchot map shows B\u00fcderich village with Br\u00fchl Necklenbroich Niederdonk the hamlet “in der Meer” and various farms. Together they were the “Mairie Buderich”. After the Congress of Vienna in 1815 B\u00fcderich went to the Kingdom of Prussia. The B\u00fcderich Mayoralty was established in 1816. It belonged to the Neuss district.
From 1918 to 1926 after World War I Belgian and French troops occupied B\u00fcderich. In 1929 B\u00fcderich became part of the Grevenbroich-Neuss district. American troops occupied B\u00fcderich after World War II. An evangelical adult education center was founded in 1947. On January 1 1970 B\u00fcderich was incorporated into the new city of Meerbusch.
In 1974 the state parliament decided to dissolve Meerbusch dividing B\u00fcderich between D\u00fcsseldorf and Neuss. However Meerbusch challenged this decision. The constitutional court suspended the dissolution. In 1976 the state parliament confirmed Meerbusch’s existence.
B\u00fcderich’s coat of arms designed by Wolfgang Pagenstecher was official from 1930 to 1970. It depicts St. Mauritius the town’s patron saint on a white horse. He holds a sword and a shield displaying the arms of the Lords of B\u00fcderich which features a red ring with four red clovers on a gold field.
B\u00fcderich has a rich religious life. The Catholic parish of St. Mauritius and Holy Spirit includes St. Mauritius church the Holy Spirit branch church and the Maria in der Not pilgrimage chapel in Niederdonk. The old church tower dates back to around 1200. It features a sculpture by Joseph Beuys. Today it serves as a memorial. B\u00fcderich belongs to the Diocese of Cologne unlike the rest of Meerbusch which belongs to the Diocese of Aachen. The Catholic community has 7177 members which is 32% of the total population. The Evangelical Church is also present with the Bethlehem and Christ Church.
Each year the large Sch\u00fctzen and Heimatfest is held at Pentecost. It takes place on the central market square Dr.-Franz-Sch\u00fctz-Platz. The St. Sebastianus Sch\u00fctzenbruderschaft B\u00fcderich of 1567 organizes the event. It has around 700 members.
In the 19th century bog iron ore was mined with moderate success. It was smelted at the Neuss plant. B\u00fcderich is accessible by the K-Bahn Stadtbahn lines U76 U74 and U70. These lines connect B\u00fcderich-Landsknecht Forsthaus and Haus Meer to Osterath Krefeld and D\u00fcsseldorf.
Public facilities in B\u00fcderich include a Johanniter senior residence and the Stadionanlage Am Eisenbrand built in 1964. The stadium and indoor swimming pool provide sports facilities. The Meerbusch city library offers important non-fiction books and classic entertainment literature. B\u00fcderich offers much to residents and visitors alike. Its blend of history culture and modern amenities makes it a special place. As we conclude our visit I hope you leave with a deeper appreciation for B\u00fcderich’s unique charm.