“What stories could these walls tell?” I wonder, standing before Gemeindehaus Benninghofen. Gemeindehaus Benninghofen was once part of a knight’s estate. This estate had ties to the village of Benninghofen. Let’s journey back in time to understand its origins.
In 1268, the knight’s estate, Haus Benninghofen, was first documented. It stood as one of seven Rittersitze or knight’s seats. These seats belonged to the parish of Wellinghofen. Before 1243, the estate was linked to the Krummen Grafschaft.
Heinrich to Benninghowe is mentioned in records from 1286. His daughters inherited the estate. This happened because Johann von Ryne declined ownership. Later, Albert Schliter Sluc von Geseke, known as Benninghofen, sold the estate to his nephew Hermann von Ryne in 1359. By 1536, the Vittinghoff family, also called Schell, acquired Gut Benninghofen.
Sadly, the original estate no longer exists. The last remaining part, a gatehouse, was torn down in 1960. It was replaced to make way for new construction.
But Gemeindehaus Benninghofen stands as a community center. It is now a place of worship. Services take place here every Sunday at 11:15.
The surrounding area of Benninghofen is also full of history. In 1340, when the town of Hörde was founded, Ritter Heinrich von Benninghofen lived on the estate. The Holtey family, knights from Eichlinghofen, took over Haus Benninghofen in the 15th century.
Between 1813 and 1822, the estate was sold to local farmers and settlers. This ended serfdom in the area. Benninghofen transformed from a feudal estate to a village of free farmers.
Today, Benninghofen is a vibrant part of Dortmund. It has a population of over 8,500 people. The town retains its community spirit. The Gemeindehaus Benninghofen is still a focal point for many. It is more than just a building. It is a symbol of community. It connects the past with the present. It shows how a knight’s estate evolved into a modern Gemeindehaus. It is an enduring part of Dortmund’s story.