Rüdinghausen

Slipping through time, let’s journey to 1268. A small, unassuming village nestled in the heart of Germany, known as “Rudinchusen,” makes its first appearance in recorded history. Today, we stand before this same village, now known as Rüdinghausen, a vibrant suburb of Witten in the Ruhr region of Germany. Rüdinghausen wasn’t always the peaceful suburb we see today. Born as a “Rodungssiedlung,” or clearing settlement, likely in the 11th or 12th century, its early history is shrouded in the mists of time. We know those first settlers were likely tied to the nearby Persebeck community. But Rüdinghausen was destined for a history far richer than simple farming. By 1200, the Archbishop of Cologne saw fit to assign a chaplain from Dortmund to care for the growing community’s spiritual needs. And a few decades later, a small castle arose on the slopes of the Ardeygebirge, home to members of the von Witten family. These local lords held sway over a wide area, including present-day Witten-Mitte and parts of Dortmund. Rüdinghausen became a seat of power. Fast forward to 1326. The church at Rüdinghausen is officially established, with Johannes of Dortmund named as its first pastor. This very church became a central part of Rüdinghausen’s life. The community faced turbulent times, enduring plunder and destruction during the Dortmund Feud around 1389. The 15th century brought further turmoil. Rüdinghausen, caught in the crossfire of inheritance disputes, was ravaged again in 1423. Yet, like a phoenix from the ashes, the village and its castle were rebuilt. Rüdinghausen persevered. By the 16th century, Rüdinghausen had its own dedicated pastor, Hinrich von Neheim. He navigated complex church laws to secure this position, a testament to the village’s growing importance. Yet, conflict remained a constant companion. In 1586, Spanish troops scorched the Rüdinghausen castle during the Cologne War. Once more, it was rebuilt. The Reformation reached Rüdinghausen in the 17th century, marking a significant shift in the community’s religious life. Amidst the Thirty Years’ War’s chaos, Rüdinghausen’s church was briefly reunited with Eichlinghofen’s parish. However, by 1655, Rüdinghausen’s church regained its independence and its pastor secured vital financial support. Interestingly, the pastor’s position in Rüdinghausen was known for its meager pay, forcing many to take on additional jobs to make ends meet. Despite the hardships, Rüdinghausen continued to grow. A new church, built between 1780 and 1790, unfortunately fell victim to structural issues. The 19th century brought the Napoleonic era and significant administrative changes. Rüdinghausen briefly became part of Witten, then separated again, and later joined the Amt Barop in Dortmund. The burgeoning coal mining industry in the Ardeygebirge dramatically increased Rüdinghausen’s population. The construction of a new, larger church in 1864, designed by Friedrich August Stüler, became a necessity. In 1922, Rüdinghausen became part of Annen, and in 1929, both were incorporated into Witten. Today, Rüdinghausen stands as a testament to its resilient past. From a small clearing settlement, it has grown into a vibrant suburb.