Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Saxon Wars

After, during the Saxon Wars, Charlemagne´s soldiers had burnt down a Saxon settlement, a stronghold was erected next to the sources of the river Pader. At that time existed already a small church next to the palace, dedicated to "Salvator Mundi". The Saxons returned and of course a couple of times and burnt down, what was built, but finally a new church was erected, that was visited by Pope Leo III, when he met Charlemagne here in 799. This was the start of the diocese. This church got enlarged under the first bishops, especially, when under Louis the Pious, the relics of St. Liborius were transfered to Paderborn from Le Mans. The Carolingian cathedral burnt completely down in 1000. Bishop Rethar (+1009) and Bishop Meinwerk (+1036) managed the erection of the new cathedral, that (probably not completed) got consecrated in 1015. This cathedral burnt down with most of the town in 1058. The cathedral Bischof Imad (+1076) built was much larger and had probably a similar volume as the Paderborner Dom of today. It was consecrated in 1068. Another fire destroyed in 1033 roofs and ceilings. When the cathedral was rebuilt, it got the first vaulting. Most of the Paderborner Dom, seen today, dates to the 13th century. The "Paradies Portal" (Paradise Portal), a narthex, was built end of the 12th century. It combines late Romanesque and early Gothic statuary.

Charlemagne founded, during the Saxon Wars, the diocese of Bremen. In 787 Saint Willehad became the first Bishop. He erected the first (wooden) church here in 789. Three years later Saxons attacked Bremen and burned down its timber cathedral. The "new" cathedral, erected by Willehad´s successors burnt down with many buildings around in 1041, due to arson. The cathedral was rebuilt as a pillared basilica. A (still existing) crypt was built under the west part of the nave. The archbishop even brought craftsmen from Lombardy to embellish the cathedral. This may have been expensive, so he tried to be pennywise, by tearing down parts of the fortification and using the stones for the cathedral. This was not wise, as it lead to the return of the Saxons, sacking Bremen and the cathedral in 1064. The cathedral again was rebuilt probably within the 12th century, the lower storeys of the western façade and towers are constructed in Romanesque style. Continuing the construction over the next centuries, the styles changed. What is seen today is largely the result of a reconstruction of the 19th century, after the citizens had decided to restore the cathedral to its medieval glory. The cathedral was reopend in 1901. The former catholic cathedral belongs to the Bremian Evangelical Church. The baptismal font was created around 1230 using the technique of lost-wax casting ("cire perdue"), like the baptismal fonts in Hildesheim and Liege. The volume of the font is one "oxhoft" (similar to "hogshead", "hhd"), what today is 227,4 liters. Four lion-riders support the font, that has a diametre of 95cm.

Charlemagne founded, during the Saxon Wars, the diocese of Bremen. In 787 Saint Willehad became the first Bishop. He erected the first (wooden) church here in 789. Three years later Saxons attacked Bremen and burned down its timber cathedral. The "new" cathedral, erected by Willehad´s successors burnt down with many buildings around in 1041, due to arson. The cathedral was rebuilt as a pillared basilica. A (still existing) crypt was built under the west part of the nave. The archbishop even brought craftsmen from Lombardy to embellish the cathedral. This may have been expensive, so he tried to be pennywise, by tearing down parts of the fortification and using the stones for the cathedral. This was not wise, as it lead to the return of the Saxons, sacking Bremen and the cathedral in 1064. The cathedral again was rebuilt probably within the 12th century, the lower storeys of the western façade and towers are constructed in Romanesque style. Continuing the construction over the next centuries, the styles changed. What is seen today is largely the result of a reconstruction of the 19th century, after the citizens had decided to restore the cathedral to its medieval glory. The cathedral was reopend in 1901. The former catholic cathedral belongs to the Bremian Evangelical Church. The baptismal font was created around 1230 using the technique of lost-wax casting ("cire perdue"), like the baptismal fonts in Hildesheim and Liege. The volume of the font is one "oxhoft" (similar to "hogshead", "hhd"), what today is 227,4 liters. Four lion-riders support the font, that has a diametre of 95cm.

Charlemagne founded, during the Saxon Wars, the diocese of Bremen. In 787 Saint Willehad became the first Bishop. He erected the first (wooden) church here in 789. Three years later Saxons attacked Bremen and burned down its timber cathedral. The "new" cathedral, erected by Willehad´s successors burnt down with many buildings around in 1041, due to arson. The cathedral was rebuilt as a pillared basilica. A (still existing) crypt was built under the west part of the nave. The archbishop even brought craftsmen from Lombardy to embellish the cathedral. This may have been expensive, so he tried to be pennywise, by tearing down parts of the fortification and using the stones for the cathedral. This was not wise, as it lead to the return of the Saxons, sacking Bremen and the cathedral in 1064. The cathedral again was rebuilt probably within the 12th century, the lower storeys of the western façade and towers are constructed in Romanesque style. Continuing the construction over the next centuries, the styles changed. What is seen today is largely the result of a reconstruction of the 19th century, after the citizens had decided to restore the cathedral to its medieval glory. The cathedral was reopend in 1901. The former catholic cathedral belongs to the Bremian Evangelical Church. The western crypt, consecrated 1066, is the oldest still existing, though as well reconstructed in the late 19th century. Seen as well is the baptismal font.

Charlemagne founded, during the Saxon Wars, the diocese of Bremen. In 787 Saint Willehad became the first Bishop. He erected the first (wooden) church here in 789. Three years later Saxons attacked Bremen and burned down its timber cathedral. The "new" cathedral, erected by Willehad´s successors burnt down with many buildings around in 1041 due to arson. The cathedral was rebuilt as a pillared basilica. A (still existing) crypt was built under the west part of the nave. The archbishop even brought craftsmen from Lombardy to embellish the cathedral. This may have been expensive, so he tried to be pennywise, by tearing down parts of the fortification and using the stones for the cathedral. This was not wise, as it led to the return of the Saxons, sacking Bremen and the cathedral in 1064. The cathedral again was rebuilt probably within the 12th century, the lower storeys of the western façade and towers are constructed in Romanesque style. Continuing the construction over the next centuries, the styles changed. What is seen today is largely the result of a reconstruction of the 19th century, after the citizens had decided to restore the cathedral to its medieval glory. The cathedral was reopened in 1901. The former catholic cathedral belongs to the Bremian Evangelical Church. Elephants on medieval carvings are a rare species. This carving may be connected to rumours about the "Cremona Elephant", a gift to Frederick II by Sultan Al-Kamil in 1229 or the elephant Louis IX presented to Henry III. This elephant died in cold and wet London in 1258. The elephant here has a very short trunk - but carries an enormous castle. And seen here is - how a soldier is able to kill an elephant.

Charlemagne founded, during the Saxon Wars, the diocese of Bremen. In 787 Saint Willehad became the first Bishop. He erected the first (wooden) church here in 789. Three years later Saxons attacked Bremen and burned down its timber cathedral. The "new" cathedral, erected by Willehad´s successors burnt down with many buildings around in 1041, due to arson. The cathedral was rebuilt as a pillared basilica. A (still existing) crypt was built under the west part of the nave. The archbishop even brought craftsmen from Lombardy to embellish the cathedral. This may have been expensive, so he tried to be pennywise, by tearing down parts of the fortification and using the stones for the cathedral. This was not wise, as it lead to the return of the Saxons, sacking Bremen and the cathedral in 1064. The cathedral again was rebuilt probably within the 12th century, the lower storeys of the western façade and towers are constructed in Romanesque style. Continuing the construction over the next centuries, the styles changed. What is seen today is largely the result of a reconstruction of the 19th century, after the citizens had decided to restore the cathedral to its medieval glory. The cathedral was reopend in 1901. The former catholic cathedral belongs to the Bremian Evangelical Church. It was rather dark inside the church in late October. Sorry! This carving depicts the Nativity. Joseph is dreaming, Mary is in childbed - and Jesus is sitting in the bathtub. A "first bath".

Charlemagne founded, during the Saxon Wars, the diocese of Bremen. In 787 Saint Willehad became the first Bishop. He erected the first (wooden) church here in 789. Three years later Saxons attacked Bremen and burned down its timber cathedral. The "new" cathedral, erected by Willehad´s successors burnt down with many buildings around in 1041, due to arson. The cathedral was rebuilt as a pillared basilica. A (still existing) crypt was built under the west part of the nave. The archbishop even brought craftsmen from Lombardy to embellish the cathedral. This may have been expensive, so he tried to be pennywise, by tearing down parts of the fortification and using the stones for the cathedral. This was not wise, as it lead to the return of the Saxons, sacking Bremen and the cathedral in 1064. The cathedral again was rebuilt probably within the 12th century, the lower storeys of the western façade and towers are constructed in Romanesque style. Continuing the construction over the next centuries, the styles changed. What is seen today is largely the result of a reconstruction of the 19th century, after the citizens had decided to restore the cathedral to its medieval glory. The cathedral was reopend in 1901. The former catholic cathedral belongs to the Bremian Evangelical Church. It was rather dark inside the church in late October. Sorry! This carving from the stalls depicts the adoration of the Magi.

Charlemagne founded, during the Saxon Wars, the diocese of Bremen. In 787 Saint Willehad became the first Bishop. He erected the first (wooden) church here in 789. Three years later Saxons attacked Bremen and burned down its timber cathedral. The "new" cathedral, erected by Willehad´s successors burnt down with many buildings around in 1041, due to arson. The cathedral was rebuilt as a pillared basilica. A (still existing) crypt was built under the west part of the nave. The archbishop even brought craftsmen from Lombardy to embellish the cathedral. This may have been expensive, so he tried to be pennywise, by tearing down parts of the fortification and using the stones for the cathedral. This was not wise, as it lead to the return of the Saxons, sacking Bremen and the cathedral in 1064. The cathedral again was rebuilt probably within the 12th century, the lower storeys of the western façade and towers are constructed in Romanesque style. Continuing the construction over the next centuries, the styles changed. What is seen today is largely the result of a reconstruction of the 19th century, after the citizens had decided to restore the cathedral to its medieval glory. The cathedral was reopend in 1901. The former catholic cathedral belongs to the Bremian Evangelical Church.

Charlemagne founded, during the Saxon Wars, the diocese of Bremen. In 787 Saint Willehad became the first Bishop. He erected the first (wooden) church here in 789. Three years later Saxons attacked Bremen and burned down its timber cathedral. The "new" cathedral, erected by Willehad´s successors burnt down with many buildings around in 1041, due to arson. The cathedral was rebuilt as a pillared basilica. A (still existing) crypt was built under the west part of the nave. The archbishop even brought craftsmen from Lombardy to embellish the cathedral. This may have been expensive, so he tried to be pennywise, by tearing down parts of the fortification and using the stones for the cathedral. This was not wise, as it lead to the return of the Saxons, sacking Bremen and the cathedral in 1064. The cathedral again was rebuilt probably within the 12th century, the lower storeys of the western façade and towers are constructed in Romanesque style. Continuing the construction over the next centuries, the styles changed. What is seen today is largely the result of a reconstruction of the 19th century, after the citizens had decided to restore the cathedral to its medieval glory. The cathedral was reopend in 1901. The former catholic cathedral belongs to the Bremian Evangelical Church.

Charlemagne founded, during the Saxon Wars, the diocese of Bremen. In 787 Saint Willehad became the first Bishop. He erected the first (wooden) church here in 789. Three years later Saxons attacked Bremen and burned down its timber cathedral. The "new" cathedral, erected by Willehad´s successors burnt down with many buildings around in 1041, due to arson. The cathedral was rebuilt as a pillared basilica. A (still existing) crypt was built under the west part of the nave. The archbishop even brought craftsmen from Lombardy to embellish the cathedral. This may have been expensive, so he tried to be pennywise, by tearing down parts of the fortification and using the stones for the cathedral. This was not wise, as it lead to the return of the Saxons, sacking Bremen and the cathedral in 1064. The cathedral again was rebuilt probably within the 12th century, the lower storeys of the western façade and towers are constructed in Romanesque style. Continuing the construction over the next centuries, the styles changed. What is seen today is largely the result of a reconstruction of the 19th century, after the citizens had decided to restore the cathedral to its medieval glory. The cathedral was reopend in 1901. The former catholic cathedral belongs to the Bremian Evangelical Church.

Charlemagne founded, during the Saxon Wars, the diocese of Bremen. In 787 Saint Willehad became the first Bishop. He erected the first (wooden) church here in 789. Three years later Saxons attacked Bremen and burned down its timber cathedral. The "new" cathedral, erected by Willehad´s successors burnt down with many buildings around in 1041, due to arson. The cathedral was rebuilt as a pillared basilica. A (still existing) crypt was built under the west part of the nave. The archbishop even brought craftsmen from Lombardy to embellish the cathedral. This may have been expensive, so he tried to be pennywise, by tearing down parts of the fortification and using the stones for the cathedral. This was not wise, as it lead to the return of the Saxons, sacking Bremen and the cathedral in 1064. The cathedral again was rebuilt probably within the 12th century, the lower storeys of the western façade and towers are constructed in Romanesque style. Continuing the construction over the next centuries, the styles changed. What is seen today is largely the result of a reconstruction of the 19th century, after the citizens had decided to restore the cathedral to its medieval glory. The cathedral was reopend in 1901. The northern tower had collapsed in the 17th century, it was newly erected from its foundations. The two now identic towers were completed in 1892.

Charlemagne founded, during the Saxon Wars, the diocese of Bremen. In 787 Saint Willehad became the first Bishop. He erected the first (wooden) church here in 789. Three years later Saxons attacked Bremen and burned down its timber cathedral. The "new" cathedral, erected by Willehad´s successors burnt down with many buildings around in 1041, due to arson. The cathedral was rebuilt as a pillared basilica. A (still existing) crypt was built under the west part of the nave. The archbishop even brought craftsmen from Lombardy to embellish the cathedral. This may have been expensive, so he tried to be pennywise, by tearing down parts of the fortification and using the stones for the cathedral. This was not wise, as it lead to the return of the Saxons, sacking Bremen and the cathedral in 1064. The cathedral again was rebuilt probably within the 12th century, the lower storeys of the western façade and towers are constructed in Romanesque style. Continuing the construction over the next centuries, the styles changed. What is seen today is largely the result of a reconstruction of the 19th century, after the citizens had decided to restore the cathedral to its medieval glory. The cathedral was reopend in 1901. The northern tower had collapsed in the 17th century, it was newly erected from its foundations. The two now identic towers were completed in 1892. Seen in front is a part of the Bremen Town Hall.

Saint Ludger founded the Werden Abbey (100km west) in 799 and already in 886 Hellefeld is listed being a property of the abbey. Later it belonged to a monastery in nearby Meschede. The parish had an own pastor already in 1179. The connection to the Werden Abbey may give a hint, that Hellefeld was an important place, when, with the strong support of Charlemagne, Saint Ludger and his collegues preached the gospel to the pagan tribes in the mountainous Sauerland. When during the 19th century the population of Hellefeld grew, the old romanesque basilica was too small for the many parishioners, so the church got demolished and replaced in the 1870s. Only the old tower still exists and now is used as a baptisterium. When the romanesque basilica got demolished, this baptismal font was saved, as it seemed to be "valuable". At that time, it was believed to be produced within the 12th century. It is very unusual, as it is made from plumb (99%) and tin (1%). This is unique. It has been compared with the baptismal font in Wuerzburg (St. Kilian), but that does not help, as that one (casted 1279) is different in style, technique, alloy. The only common feature is, that it is cylindrical. The connection from Hellefeld to the Werden Abbey gave room to speculation. Meanwhile historians date this baptismal font into the first half of the 9th century, what connects it to - early evangelisation. A closer look onto the font. There are pillars and nine arches. The arches seem to consist out of a kind of rope. The capitals have crosses and dots. Over the capitals are small heads (faces, masks). The surface below the arches is covered with scratches, dots and marks, but not in any regular pattern. The only clearly christian symbols are the crosses. In early times people got baptised in rivers. This was still very common, during the Saxon Wars (772-804) and even later people got immersed completely during the baptism-process. Most romanesque baptism fonts are too small for this - and are dated 12th century. They are way younger than this. So it may be, that during the first half of the 9th century, this font may have been casted for a different usage.

The Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church) in the town of Enger in northeastern Westphalia. Here is the epitaph of Widukind, the pagan Saxon leader and Charlemagne´s chief opponent of during the Saxon Wars. Widukind was first mentioned 777, being the only saxonian leader not appearing to Charlemagnes court Paderborn. Upto 784 the Saxons battled the Franks, 785 Widukind surrendered and got baptized in (today french) Attigny. Charlemagne being the godfather. Many legends have developed around Widukind?s life. One tells, that he came to Enger, founded a church and lived here. There is no proof for that. Many historians assume, that Widukind was imprisoned after his baptism, as Charlemagne used to deal with "old opponents" that way. But there is no proof either. The oldest mentioning of Widukind´s grave in Enger goes back to 1216. The church was built between the 12th and the 14th century. Obvioulsy the building started at the apse, as from there to the transpet, the style is romanesque. There is even a carved tympanum over the portal, displaying a "pankrator" in a mandorla with St. Mary and a bishop (probably St. Dionysius/St. Denis, first bishop of Paris) on the sides. From there on to left, the style is gothic.

The Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church) in the town of Enger in northeastern Westphalia. Here, behind the altar in the back, stands the epitaph of Widukind, the pagan Saxon leader and the chief opponent to Charlemagne during the Saxon Wars. Widukind was first mentioned 777, being the only saxonian leader not appearing to Charlemagne´s court in Paderborn. Upto 784 the Saxons battled the Franks, opposing christianisation. 785 Widukind surrendered and got baptized in (today french) Attigny. Charlemagne being the godfather. Many legends have developed around Widukind´s life. One tells, that he came to Enger, founded a church and lived here. There is no proof for that. Historians assume, that Widukind was imprisoned after his baptism, as Charlemagne used to deal with "old opponents" that way. But there is no proof either. The church we see today, was built between the 12th and the 14th century. The transept and the choir being romanesque. Archeologists found out, that two church-buildings have been here before. The oldest dating back into the 9th century.

The Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church) in the town of Enger in northeastern Westphalia. Here is the epitaph of Widukind, the pagan Saxon leader and the chief opponent to Charlemagne during the Saxon Wars. Widukind was first mentioned 777, being the only saxonian leader not coming to Charlemagne´s court in Paderborn. Upto 784 the Saxons battled the Franks opposing christianisation. 785 Widukind surrendered and got baptized in (today french) Attigny. Charlemagne being the godfather. Many legends have developed around Widukind´s life. One tells, that he came to Enger, founded a church and lived here. There is no proof for that. Many historians assume, that Widukind was imprisoned after his baptism, as Charlemagne used to deal with "old opponents" that way. But there is no proof either. The Widukind-epitaph stands in the center of the choir, behind the winged altar. The base is dating back to early renaissance. It is topped by a romanesque carved slab. This slab now is secured by a plastic box. All over the epitaph are numerours graffitis. This epitaph was a center of pilgrimage, especially in the 19th century, so lots of graffitis date back to this time. Here below the "official" inscription: F.A. ROLE 1849 IN ENGER

The Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church) in the town of Enger in northeastern Westphalia. Here is the epitaph of Widukind, the pagan Saxon leader and the chief opponent of Charlemagne during the Saxon Wars. Widukind was first mentioned 777, being the only saxonian leader not appearing to Charlemagnes court Paderborn. Upto 784 the Saxons battled the Franks, 785 Widukind surrendered and got baptized in (today french) Attigny. Charlemagne being the godfather. Many legends have developed around Widukind´s life. One tells, that he came to Enger, founded a church and lived here. There is no proof for that. Many historians assume, that Widukind was imprisoned after his baptism, as Charlemagne used to deal with "old opponents" that way. But there is no proof either. The first mentioning of Widukind´s grave in Enger dates back to 1216. The romanesque carved slab tops the Widukind-epitaph. It shows the lifesize carving of a laying male person, wearing a crown and holding a sceptre. This carving was done around 1100 - and it is one of the oldest of its kind in Germany. The slab now is covered and secured by a plastic box. I could not get in a distance for a better shot.

The Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church) in the town of Enger in northeastern Westphalia. Here is the epitaph of Widukind, the pagan Saxon leader and the chief opponent to Charlemagne during the Saxon Wars. Widukind was first mentioned 777, being the only saxonian leader not coming to Charlemagne´s court in Paderborn. Upto 784 the Saxons battled the Franks opposing christianisation. 785 Widukind surrendered and got baptized in (today french) Attigny. Charlemagne being the godfather. Many legends have developed around Widukind´s life. One tells, that he came to Enger, founded a church and lived here. There is no proof for that. Many historians assume, that Widukind was imprisoned after his baptism, as Charlemagne used to deal with "old opponents" that way. But there is no proof either. The Widukind-epitaph stands in the center of the choir, behind the winged altar. The base is probably dating back to the time of the early renaissance. It is topped by a carved slab, showing (lifesize) a male person, wearing a crown and holding a sceptre. This carving was done around 1100. In the 1970s archeologists found three skeletons of adult males in the nave. Already in medieval times bones, now shown in the little altar in the back, were believed to be Widukinds, but it came out, they belong to a female person. The epitaph has been a center of pilgrimage for a long time - and lots of graffitis cover the stones.