Peeking out from behind the trees, the Pferdeturm Plaque marks a spot of great historical importance. It is a testament to Hanover’s medieval past. The Pferdeturm itself is a late medieval watchtower. It dates back to the 14th century. This tower was part of the Hanoverian Landwehr. The Landwehr was a defensive system protecting the city.
Let’s delve into the story of the Pferdeturm. In 1387, it was erected as a watchtower. It stood on the section of the Landwehr between Hanover and Misburg. Even today, you can find well-preserved sections of the Landwehr. These sections include the ditch and rampart south and north of the tower in the Eilenriede forest. The Landwehr served as an advanced border security. It was a fortification system for the medieval city. Like other Landwehr towers such as the Lister Turm and Döhrener Turm, the Pferdeturm was built as a transit station on a road. A guard station with a barrier oversaw traffic entering the city.
Interestingly, historian Hector Wilhelm Heinrich Mithoff believed the Pferdeturm was once known by other names. He studied the Hanoverian city council’s account books. In 1407, it was referred to as “Hardenbergestorn”. In 1480, it was called “Rukoppestorn”. These names possibly came from the watchmen of the time. Records from 1486 indicate that “Rukoppes torne” burned. The fire master was at the Bischofshol Landwehr base. Mithoff concluded that both towers were close to each other.
The name Pferdeturm, meaning “Horse Tower,” came later. The Hanoverian council established a horse and foal stable nearby. In 1720, it was noted that the tower was mostly deserted. A woodman’s house stood to its right. After 1681, the tower watchman was granted a license to serve drinks. The place evolved into a popular destination. It was referred to as a “coffee house” in Hanover’s 1823 address book. Near the tower, a cycle track was built in 1888.
In 1889, a fire destroyed the restaurant. The Pferdeturm was also damaged. It was then restored. A half-timbered story and a steep pyramidal roof were added. A two-story brick building was built onto the tower. It served as a café until World War II. The building was repaired after war damage. However, it was demolished in 1964 to construct the ice stadium. Further renovations occurred in 1965. A brick stone commemorates these renovations.
After the Landwehr lost its importance, the Pferdeturm served as a forestry office. Its purpose was to curb wood theft in the nearby Eilenriede forest. Not far from the tower, a forester’s lodge still exists. In 1882, the city established a botanical garden nearby.
Today, the Pferdeturm Plaque marks the spot of this historic tower. It reminds us of Hanover’s strategic past and its evolution. The nearby ice stadium and the Pferdeturm junction of the Messeschnellweg further connect it to the present. The Pferdeturm remains a landmark.