Lost in Essen’s east, have you ever stumbled upon Leithe? This district is more than just a place on a map. Leithe is a tapestry woven from threads of time and transformation.
Leithe sits in the east of Essen. It shares borders with Bochum-Wattenscheid and Gelsenkirchen. A portion of Leithe extends into Bochum. This is known as Westfälisch-Leithe.
Once upon a time Leithe was part of Kray. But in 1929, it became part of Essen. Before that, from 1906 to 1929, Kray and Leithe formed a wealthy Prussian rural community.
Let’s step back even further. Imagine the year 774. Karl der Große marches his troops through Leithe to fight the Saxons. The Hellweg, an ancient trade route, cut through this area. It passed by Oberhof Eickenscheidt and the Fünf Höfe.
Today, the street “Im Helf” hints at this past. “Helf” refers to Hellwegshof. This reminds us of the area’s former use.
The Leither Bach also played a role in history. It once marked the border of the Essener Stift. It also divided it from the Grafschaft Mark. Today, part of the Leither Bach runs underground.
In 1898, the Wattenscheider Zeche Centrum sunk shaft 4 in Leithe. At the time, only 15 farms dotted the landscape.
Fast forward to today. Leithe is home to about 7,000 people. The Isinger Feld houses a large settlement. It provides homes for 4,000 residents. The Julius-Leber Haus of the Arbeiterwohlfahrt is a lively community hub.
Leithe offers cultural experiences. The Studio-Bühne Essen stages plays for children and adults. Sport enthusiasts can join the SV Leithe 19/65.
The Volksgarten Kray is another point of interest. Ironically, it is in Leithe. It began as part of the Schulte-Brüning farm. Its history dates back to 1327. The Gelsenkirchen factory owner Wilhelm Munscheid wanted to create a recreation area here. In 1913, the Volksgarten opened.
The A 40 motorway cut through Leithe in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This divided the town into northern and southern sections. They connect only through five crossings.
Leithe may not be Essen’s most glamorous district. Yet it offers a blend of rural charm and urban life. The area is known for its affordable living. Leithe’s history is rich. It stretches from ancient trade routes to modern-day life. It is a district where the past and present intertwine.