Hanse-Kogge is celebrating a comeback: On the pond for the Soest Feud!

Hanse-Kogge is celebrating a comeback: On the pond for the Soest Feud!

The Soest Feud, a fascinating chapter in regional history, will experience a special new edition in 2023. The Soester Anzeiger reports on the impressive Hanseatic cog that Fritz Risken and Vignesan Shanmuganathan recreated from Styrodur. This symbolic cog, which had already spent two years in dry dock, has now been launched again and serves not only as an eye-catcher, but also as an advertising medium for the Soest Feud and the activities of the Soester Kulturforum association.

The Soest Feud, which took place from 1444 to 1449, was, as is well known, a violent conflict over the freedom of the city of Soest against the bitter Archbishop Dietrich of Cologne. As early as June 5, 1444, Soest elected Johann I of Kleve-Mark as the new sovereign, while the emperor imposed imperial ban on the city. This chapter of the city's history is brought to light not only through the replica of the cog, but also through various reenactments that take place regularly to honor the feud.

Creative eye candy by the pond

In the same geographical area, two creative tetrapods, created by artists Abie Franklin and Daniel Hölzl, are now swimming in the pond. These objects are installed as part of an exhibition and provide additional artistic enjoyment. All objects anchored in the pond have little room for maneuver, so collisions are ruled out - a perfect backdrop for the upcoming medieval festival.

On the first weekend in August, history comes to life again when the Medieval Festival is celebrated with a camp, a parade and the traditional storming of the city. A special attraction for younger festival visitors is the opportunity to release self-made light rafts with tea lights on the pond on Saturday, August 2nd, from 5 p.m. The Soester Kulturforum association also offers the opportunity to paint rafts on site, which will certainly be a lot of fun.

A look into the past

Looking back at the Soest Feud: This dispute was not only a power struggle between the city and the archbishop, but also a turning point in the history of Soest. Despite its victories in various battles, which Soest received through support from cities such as Münster and Paderborn, the city suffered economic decline as a result of the conflicts. The feud led to looting and destruction, and after fighting ceased in 1449, a peace treaty came into force at Maastricht without Soest's direct involvement.

The current significance of the Soest Feud, which once made Soest an important trading town within the Hanseatic League, is evident again in the lively reenactments. These events keep the memory of the eventful past alive and are part of the intangible cultural heritage.