Johann Wilhelm who? You might be wondering who this distinguished gentleman immortalized in bronze at the Jan-Wellem Denkmal is. He wasn’t a Cologne native, in fact, he was a duke, an elector, and even fought against Cologne in a war. Yet here he stands, in the heart of Mülheim, now a part of Cologne. This monument tells a tale of ambition, generosity, and a peculiar connection between a ruler and the people he once opposed.
Jan Wellem, as he was fondly called, was the Duke of Jülich-Berg and Elector Palatine. He harbored dreams of becoming king, a dream that remained unfulfilled despite his immense power and influence. His life was marked by grandeur, evidenced by his magnificent Schloss Bensberg, its axis pointed directly at the Cologne Cathedral. But his heart, it seemed, had room for simpler joys too. Legend has it that he once wandered into a humble Mülheim farm, famished from a long walk. The simple meal of peas and bacon he shared with the farmers stayed with him, a reminder of honest labor and genuine appreciation.
Now, about his connection to Mülheim. In 1702, Jan Wellem found himself defending the town against the invading forces of the Cologne Elector during a war. He arrived after the Cologne Elector had retreated but left a lasting impact. He helped improve the town’s infrastructure, securing an agreement for a “Flying Bridge” across the Rhine, which significantly eased travel and trade. He also welcomed Protestant families, including the Andreae family, who were forced to flee Cologne due to their faith. These families thrived in Mülheim, contributing to its growth and prosperity.
Ironically, Mülheim, the town he defended, was later incorporated into Cologne, the very city he opposed. The Jan-Wellem Denkmal, commissioned by the grateful Andreae family, stands as a testament to this strange twist of fate. The statue, in its hunting attire, doesn’t depict a warrior king but a protector, a ruler who, despite his ambitions, earned the respect and affection of those he ruled.