Picture this. You stand before Haus Crengeldanz. A stately manor house. Its history whispers from the very stones. Built in 1706 during the Baroque era. It’s a testament to a bygone age. A time of elegance and grandeur.
Haus Crengeldanz is more than just a pretty building. It stands as a significant historical landmark. It’s associated with the von Ducker family. They owned it until the 14th century. Then Hermann von Witten-Steinhausen married into the family. This started the Witten-Crengeldanz line. This family even had judicial power over parts of Witten. There were disputes between the Witten Steinhausen and Crengeldanz families. One even involved murder.
The current structure dates back to 1607. That makes it one of Witten’s oldest buildings. In 1825 the Muellensiefen brothers took over. They established a major glassworks on the property. Haus Crengeldanz also housed Witten’s first post office. This operated until 1850.
The Muellensiefen brothers were glassmaking giants. By the late 19th century their factory was Germany’s leading producer of plate glass. Their success led to the creation of Neu-Crengeldanz in Dortmund. This is a residential area. It’s named after their glass factory. The Muellensiefen family also created a private cemetery. You can still find it today.
Haus Crengeldanz played an important role as a transportation hub in the late 18th century. Multiple major routes converged there. This strategic location remains vital. The Witten bus depot is nearby. A streetcar depot also once stood there.
The grounds are truly remarkable. A formal garden. A garden pavilion. A pond. And a family burial ground. This last one is similar to a Herrnhut cemetery. The design reflects the principles of the Herrnhuter Brethren community.
Haus Crengeldanz. A magnificent piece of history. Its enduring presence speaks volumes. It stands as a silent witness to centuries of life. A story etched in stone. A legacy waiting to be explored.