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Bremen celebrates 800 years of self-government: A look into history!
The Bremen Council was mentioned in a document on November 15, 1225, which represents a key moment in Bremen's history.
Bremen celebrates 800 years of self-government: A look into history!
The Bremen Council was first mentioned in a document on November 15, 1225 - a date that is of great importance for the history of the city. This document, issued by Archbishop Gerhard II, freed the citizens of Bremen from customs in Bremervörde and marked the beginning of the emancipation from the archiepiscopal city ruler. Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte emphasizes how important the council was in Bremen's development into a modern city republic. “This council made Bremen what it is today,” said Bovenschulte, referring to the far-reaching local developments.
The certificate itself is kept in the Bremen State Archives and is a real piece of history. Professor Konrad Elmshäuser has an insightful article on this in the coming articleBremen yearbookpublished, which illuminates the historical background in detail. The publication, which will be published in 2025, consists of 271 pages and is available for 33 euros. For those interested, the article is available to download as a PDF file.
Gerhard II and his achievements
Gerhard II, born around 1190 as the son of Bernard II of the House of Lippe, was Prince-Archbishop of Bremen and Hamburg from 1219 until his death in 1258. During his term in office, he led disputes with the citizens of Bremen, who increasingly demanded autonomy from the church. Experienced successes and setbacks on both sides shaped the relationship between the archbishop and the city population.
Important architectural projects were also realized under Gerhard II. He initiated the first bridge over the Weser in Bremen and started a comprehensive renovation of Bremen Cathedral. The construction work, which originally began in the Romanesque style, was completed over the years in the Gothic style.
Current initiatives in Bremen
Overall, it can be seen that Bremen's historical development is closely linked to urban self-government and that this tradition continues to the present day. The conflicts of the past contribute to the city's current identity and show how important it is to know your roots.
For anyone who is interested in the history and current activities of Bremen, both the publication in the Bremen Yearbook and participation in the city cycling are worthwhile opportunities to get involved and find out more about the Hanseatic city.