Early history of Bielefeld

Founded in 1214 by Count Hermann the IVth of Ravensberg as “Bilivelde” at a junction of two old trade roads, the city quickly rose to an important trading town.
1240-50 the Sparrenberg Castle was built to protect the growing city, which expanded beyond the old city walls. The new quarter, the Neustadt, joined the old town in 1520, shortly after some Franziskaner monks founded a new abbey at the Klosterplatz. In the 16th century, Bielefeld was becoming an increasingly important location for the production of linen and yarn in Germany. With every ulna being carefully controlled by the “Legge”, Bielefeld linen quickly became well-known for its superior quality.