Clarholz Abbey

Clarholz Abbey was founded in 1133 by Rudolf von Steinfurt, who donated his estates to the Premonstratensian Order. This donation was confirmed in 1134 by Emperor Lothar III and the order's founder, Norbert of Xanten. Originally conceived as a double monastery with a male convent in Clarholz and a female convent in Lette, it was settled from Cappenberg Abbey. In 1175, Bishop Arnold of Osnabrück consecrated the Romanesque abbey church, which was later converted into a Gothic hall church. In the 14th century, crises and feuds, such as the burning of 1437, led to reforms. Under Provost Johannes Hundebeke (1456–1487), the abbey experienced a flourishing period with numerous new entries and the establishment of a school. In the 17th century, reforms of the Council of Trent enforced a return to the order's rules.