Kapelle Northen

Has anyone ever noticed how buildings whisper secrets? The Kapelle Northen, right here in the heart of this quaint village, has been whispering its stories for centuries. This unassuming chapel, often simply called Kapelle Northen, isn’t made of grand stone or brick like many others. Its timber-framed structure stands as a testament to tradition. Kapelle Northen’s history stretches back to a time long before concrete and steel. A document from 1370, tucked away in the archives of Wunstorf Monastery, mentions a chapel in Northen. Its placement, nestled on a narrow lane instead of a central square, hints at its origin, not as the planned center of a new settlement, but as a humble addition to an existing village. Kapelle Northen’s story is intertwined with the von Lenthe family. They held patronage over the church in neighboring Lenthe since the 14th century. Their influence extended to Northen as well, holding the patronage rights from 1394. This chapel has weathered storms, both literal and metaphorical. While the exact year of its current form is debated, the Kapelle Northen we see today was built in 1621. Scratched into its south side, the year 1615 and the initials NLH offer glimpses into the past. A weather vane, bearing the date 1668, suggests repairs following the tumultuous Thirty Years’ War. Inside Kapelle Northen, a late Gothic winged altarpiece commands attention. This vibrant, intricately carved piece, from the early 16th century, was originally housed in the Church of the Ten Thousand Knights in Lenthe. It was gifted to Kapelle Northen in 1714, a journey that cost 18 Mariengroschen for transport and another 3 for cleaning. The altarpiece depicts the martyrdom of the Ten Thousand, framed by figures of saints. Two bells reside in the wooden bell tower. One, a newer addition from 1971. The other, a weathered bronze bell dating back to 1507, possibly a relic from an even older structure. This ancient bell, after almost 500 years of service, was painstakingly restored in 2006. Kapelle Northen, despite its modest appearance, whispers tales of noble families, religious shifts, and the resilience of a community that cherishes its heritage.