Glockengießerhaus

Located in the charming town of Warburg in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, the Glockengießerhaus stands as a striking example of historical architecture and cultural heritage. This half-timbered house, situated at Bernhardistraße 23, is not just a visual delight but also a repository of rich history and fascinating stories, making it an unmissable stop for any visitor to Warburg.

The Architectural Marvel

The Glockengießerhaus, with its stately facade, is a quintessential representation of the Ackerbürgerhaus (town farmer's house) style prevalent in Warburg and the surrounding regions. Built around 1590, as determined by dendrochronological studies, the house boasts a two-story hall with a separately constructed storage floor that juts out over the street. The gable features three additional projections, adding to the building's impressive stature.

The ground floor and the first floor are constructed in a triple-studded post and beam style, particularly on the right side and at the back. The gable side retains the lintel and arch beams of a semicircular archway, which is two compartments wide. This archway, along with the intricately carved filling timbers and balustrade panels, is adorned with Renaissance-style vegetative carvings, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.

One of the most captivating features of the Glockengießerhaus is the stockwork-like timbering on the street corner, indicating the presence of a parlour. The facade, with its cross-beam frieze, transom light, and rectangular casing, underwent modifications during the Biedermeier period, adding a touch of 19th-century elegance to the historic structure.

A Glimpse into the Past

The history of the Glockengießerhaus is as intriguing as its architecture. The oldest part of the building ensemble is the stone rear house at Schwerte 4, dating back to around 1400. This solid stone structure, with its meter-thick limestone walls and corner ashlars, is connected to the front house through two passages on the ground and storage floors.

In the late 16th century, the front house was rebuilt in its current form, featuring a two-story hall and a steep gable roof. The hall, originally two stories high, expanded towards Schwerte in an L-shaped manner, possibly even T-shaped, allowing light to enter from the garden side. The parlour, located at the corner of Bernhardistraße and Schwerte, was the living and sleeping area, offering a vantage point to observe both streets. The elaborate design of the filling timbers and balustrade panels emphasized the importance of this room.

Interestingly, the name Glockengießerhaus (Bell Founder's House) is believed to originate from a bell image placed at the gable peak. While it is debated whether the house ever housed a bell foundry, a 300-year-old bell clapper discovered during excavations in 2014 suggests a connection to bell-making. Additionally, other houses in Warburg's old town, such as the Eisenhoithaus and the Kannegeterhaus, also feature symbols indicating metalworking trades.

From Past to Present

The Glockengießerhaus has seen numerous owners and undergone significant changes over the centuries. Until 1750, it belonged to Johann Heinrich Henken, who sold it to Seligmann Calmen. The Calmen family, prominent in Warburg's Jewish community, owned the house for several generations. In 1804, Seligmann Calmen declared to the city that he had acquired the house in 1750. The family is also believed to have built a mikveh (ritual bath) in the house's northern corner, discovered in 2011 and dated to the mid-18th century.

After Seligmann's death, the house passed to his son-in-law, Schaft Ostheim, and his wife. They left the house and a related business to their nephew, Jacob David Flechtheim, a merchant and banker from Brakel. Flechtheim made significant renovations, including dividing the high hall with a horizontal intermediate ceiling, closing the openings to Schwerte and the garden, and adding a new double-flight staircase to improve access to the upper floor. The storage rooms on the second floor and the large attic remained intact, now accessible from Schwerte through hatches.

Jacob Flechtheim's legacy continued with his nephew, Salomon (Sally) Flechtheim, who took over the house in 1868. Sally's son, Walther Flechtheim, became a well-known variety artist but faced persecution during the Nazi era, leading to his emigration to London. His younger brother, Julius Flechtheim, a lawyer, was imprisoned in the Sachsenhausen concentration camp before emigrating to Rio de Janeiro in 1939.

Restoration and Preservation

In 2011, Björn Ernst acquired both buildings with the aim of restoring them in accordance with historical preservation standards and converting the front house into apartments. During the renovations, several historical artifacts were unearthed, including the aforementioned bell clapper and an 8.5 kg cannonball, adding to the house's storied past.

Today, the Glockengießerhaus stands as a testament to Warburg's rich history and architectural heritage. Its meticulously preserved facade and intriguing past make it a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the cultural tapestry of this picturesque German town. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking to immerse yourself in the charm of Warburg, the Glockengießerhaus promises an unforgettable journey through time.