The city fires of Enschede
Enschede has had its share of disasters, including several city fires.
Like a phoenix, Enschede rose from its ashes. Not once, but several times. City fires struck the city in 1170, 1225, 1517, 1750 and 1862, among others. The residents proved enormously resilient and rebuilt their city again and again. Read all about the city fires in 1517, 1750 and 1862 here.
City fire I
March 14, 1517
On March 14, 1517, Enschede was almost entirely reduced to ashes by a big city fire. Almost all buildings in the city contained wooden construction and went up in flames. Only the two city gates and the church were made of stone and remained standing. The bells of the city tower were also destroyed; the new ones were cast on a moor in Lonneker. Later, it would become Enschede's first cemetery.
After the fire, the city was rebuilt with wood construction.
City fire II
May 20, 1750
On May 20, 1750, Enschede was hit by another fire. The devastation was less than during the fire of 1517; about half of the town (72 houses) was lost. The fire broke out in a house near the Eschpoort. As mentioned, the town consisted mainly of wooden half-timbered houses, allowing the fire to spread quickly.
Fire monument on the Oude Markt
May 7, 1912
On May 7, 1912, the Fire Monument was unveiled on the Oude Markt, exactly 50 years after the last city fire. The monument was designed by the German artist Ludwig Nick. The cost of the monument was covered entirely by voluntary donations from the residents of Enschede. The Fire Monument can still be admired at the Oude Markt.
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