Werdringen Castle

The first documented mention of the complex as a fief of the Lords of Volmestein dates back to the mid-13th century, when it was part of the possessions of the Archbishops of Cologne. From the 13th to the 15th century, Werdringen was owned by the Dobbe family. After the conquest of Volmarstein Castle in 1324, Werdringen became part of the County of Mark. In 1449, the noble residence was shelled, partially destroyed, and plundered during the Soest Feud, leading to its reconstruction as a moated castle in the 15th century. By the end of the 18th century, the complex was already heavily damaged; the wooden drawbridge was replaced by a stone bridge around 1800, and parts of the curtain walls and medieval buildings were demolished. Around 1830, a line of the Counts von der Recke von Volmerstein took up residence at the castle.