Devese

Had anyone ever imagined Devese, a quiet village nestled near Hanover, held such a vibrant past? Devese, first mentioned in 1183 as “Vevesse” or “Deuesse,” wasn’t always the bustling village it is today. Back in the mid-19th century, Devese was a small farming community with only 19 farmsteads. Imagine the peace and quiet! However, the latter half of the 20th century brought a wave of new residents, transforming Devese into a thriving hub. One of Devese’s hidden gems is its charming chapel. While it now belongs to the Trinitatiskirchengemeinde in Hemmingen-Westerfeld, it was once part of the church in Ronnenberg until 1978. The chapel’s history is shrouded in mystery, likely built after the Thirty Years’ War, which saw the destruction of its predecessor, a fortified chapel. But a silent witness remains: a bell, cast in 1643 in Hanover by bell founder Ludolf Siegfried, bearing the inscription, “die gemeine Defess hat die Glocken zur Ehre Gottes gisen lassen 1643. Ludolf Siefriet me ficit,” offering a tangible link to Devese’s rich past. Another fascinating piece of Devese’s history lies buried beneath its soil. In 1819, with the approval of Amt Koldingen, a cemetery was established and entrusted to the care of the local teacher. Interestingly, at the end of the 19th century, a mineral water spring was discovered, likely during clay extraction. This spring was commercially exploited until the 1920s, bottled and sold under the brand name Lloydbrunnen. A refreshing piece of local history, isn’t it? Devese’s integration into Hemmingen on March 1, 1974, marked a significant turning point. This was part of the Gebietsreform in Niedersachsen, reshaping the region’s administrative landscape. Devese’s location adds to its charm. Situated on a slight elevation just west of Hemmingen-Westerfeld, it’s bordered by the Ihme River to the north, creating a natural boundary with Hanover’s Wettbergen district. To the west lies a small wooded area, and to the south, the larger Bürgerholz forest and the tranquil Ebelings Teich. East of Devese, beyond fields and the new B3 highway, lie commercial areas extending into Westerfeld. As you leave Devese, remember the story of this unassuming village near Hanover. From its humble beginnings as a small farming village to its transformation into a thriving community, Devese’s journey through time is a testament to its resilience and enduring spirit.