The term "motte" or "tower mound castle" is used in castle research to describe a type of building that consists of an artificially raised earth mound surrounded by a moat, on which a mostly wooden tower of varying heights rises. The term "motte" comes from the French (château á motte), where "motte" means "lump of earth" or "earthen lode". Mottes were widespread throughout Central Europe; the majority were built in the 11th to 12th centuries and were mainly erected by members of the lower nobility, but also by powerful feudal lords.
On the occasion of the exhibition "Knights, Castles and Intrigue - AufRuhr 1225 - The Middle Ages on the Rhine and Ruhr" at the LWL Museum of Archaeology in Heinsberg (February 27 to November 28, 2010), an attempt was made to reconstruct an ideal motte and bailey, using the undated motte and bailey of Wegberg - Ophoven (Heinsberg district) as a model. This replica was erected in the outdoor area of the LWL Museum and was much admired by the numerous visitors due to its impressive dimensions (approx. 22 m high and 6 m wide).
During a visit by some historically committed Neuenrade citizens in spring 2010, it was learned that the imposing tower hillfort was to be dismantled after the end of the exhibition and then passed on to a new owner as a gift. After intensive discussions between the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe and the town of Neuenrade, it was agreed to rebuild the motte in Neuenrade, where a suitable site in the district of Küntrop could be found. Ideally, only a few hundred meters away from this location is the site of the historic Gevern Castle, a listed motte of the Counts of Arnsberg, whose tower was reduced to rubble by Count Engelbert III von der Mark in 1355.
Following its reconstruction, the "new" motte was officially opened on 19.10.2013. The building was financed by donations. A specially established foundation will continue to look after the motte in the future.
The motte is open every 1st Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. from Easter to October inclusive.
In 2018, as part of a Leader project, the motte and bailey castle became the starting point of a history trail through the former Grafschaft Arnsberg and has thus been further enhanced. An outdoor artwork based on a design by Altean artist Karsten Wolfewicz has been created. A collection of knightly demonstration objects has been acquired, especially for the enjoyment of younger visitors. Furthermore, the motte is included as a "cultural point" as part of Neuenrade's overall concept for cultural education. Small cultural events such as poetry readings or midnight legend readings are offered several times a year.
The entrance fee is € 2.00 per person over the sword. Admission is free for children.
If you have any questions about the motte - including arranging special guided tours - please contact
- Dr. Rolf-Dieter Kohl 02392 / 61991
- Ludger Stracke 02394 / 536
- Klaus Peter Sasse 0170 / 4517902
Marriages are also possible at the Motte. You can find more information on this at www.neuenrade.de
