Gramsbergen

History

Gramsbergen and its hamlets have been inhabited since pre-historic times. In the 'Cultuur Historisch Informatie Centrum Vechtdal' (The Historical and Cultural Center of Vechtdal), in the centre of Gramsbergen, several archaeological artefacts are exhibited. These artefacts come from settlements from around 8000 BC. It was first mentioned in 1227 as Bergene, and means "the hill of Gram (person)". It received city rights in 1442. Gramsbergen developed on higher ground along the Vechte. In 1227, the Battle of Ane was fought to the west of Gramsbergen during which the bishop of Utrecht was defeated by the citizens of Drenthe. In 1339, , a havezate, was built which developed into a castle. In 1673, it was taken by the Prince-Bishopric of Münster. The castle was destroyed in 1674 by the Dutch States Army to prevent Münster from threatening Coevorden. The city did not develop in its later history and remained relatively small. As an independent municipality, Gramsbergen comprised the centres of Gramsbergen and De Krim and the hamlets Ane, Anerveen, Anevelde, , , and . Since 1 January 2001, Gramsbergen has been part of Hardenberg.