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In the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, the small town of Gerresheim, historically known for its tanneries and leather production, has recently unearthed a significant piece of its past. The discovery of a well-preserved tannery, dating back to the early 19th century, sheds light on the town's economic transition from feudal structures to early industrial development.
At the time, Gerresheim was strategically located near the Ruhr industrial area, with easy access to waterways and raw materials. The tannery, initially for self-supply at the tannery, was a reflection of the artisanal and early industrial practices that characterized the town's economy.
The discovery was a surprise to urban planners and initially met with scepticism from archaeologists and heritage conservationists. However, further investigation revealed a 1830 draft, proving the authenticity of the find. The former property owner of the tannery was Caspar Körfgen von Gerresheim, who was listed as a "Rotgerber" or "Lohgerber" in the official address book for Rhineland-Westphalia from 1833.
The tannery was located near the Pillebach's course, a prerequisite for its operation. The hides were cleaned on a "Schabebaum", and the actual tanning process took place in "Lohgruben", earthen pits. The hides could remain in "Gerberlohe" for up to a year and a half in these pits. "Gerberlohe" is an extract of woods, leaves, bark, and specific tree fruits.
The discovery of the tannery remains will provide new insights into Gerresheim's economic history at the beginning of the 19th century. The city will work with the LVR-Amt für Bodendenkmalpflege im Rheinland to determine the further handling and scientific methods for investigating the finds.
However, it's worth noting that the intense odor pollution from the tannery processing of meat would have made it hard to imagine near a church today. The hair was loosened using potash or lime milk in special "Aschergruben". As the leather industry evolved, specialized craftsmen known as "Rot-, Weiß- or Sämischgerber" emerged, depending on the tanning agent.
This discovery underscores the rich industrial history of Gerresheim and the Rhineland region, paving the way for further exploration and understanding of the area's economic development during the early industrial era.
The tannery discovery in Gerresheim, initially a reflection of artisanal and early industrial practices, was strategically funded by Caspar Körfgen von Gerresheim, a noted Rotgerber in the 19th century Rhineland-Westphalia. The thriving leather manufacturing industry in Gerresheim, as evidenced by the discovered tannery, was intertwined with the finance sector, as shown by the need for funding and the emergence of specialized craftsmen like Weiß- and Sämischgerber.
