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Wesel is a city (population about 61,689 in 2004) in Germany, located at the point where the Lippe River empties into the Rhine. It is the capital of the Wesel district in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Different suburbs are Lackhausen, Obrighoven, Ginderich, Büderich, Flüren and Blumenkamp.
History The city originates from a Franconian manor that was first mentioned in the 8th century. In the 12th century Wesel came into the possession of the Duke of Cleves. The city was given extensive privileges and became a member of the Hanseatic League during the 15th century. Within the duchy of Cleves, Wesel was second only to Cologne in the lower Rhine region as an entrepôt. It was an important commercial centre: a clearing station for the transhipment and trading of goods. Wesel's mayors: since 1945: World War II During the war, Wesel became a target of the Allies particularly in its capacity as a strategic depot. On the 16, 17 and 19 February 1945, the town was attacked with impact and air-burst weapons and almost entirely destroyed. The Rhine and Lippe bridges were blown by the Wehrmacht; among others, on 10 March, the 1,950m long railway bridge, the last Rhine bridge remaining in German hands. On 23 March, Wesel came under the fire of over 3,000 guns when it was bombarded anew, in preparation for Operation Plunder. 97% of the town was destroyed before it was finally taken by allied troops. Buildings and places of interest in Wesel People born in Wesel English diplomat and soldier Founder of New Amsterdam (New York) Author of the first Duden Discover with her husband Walter Noddack the chemical elements rhenium and technetium Town twinning|Sister Cities Miscellaneous One of Germany's highest radio masts is situated in the district of Büderich on the left bank of the Rhine. It measures 320.08 metres. Further reading Commons:Wesel Footnotes ---- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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