The Abbey of Munster, also known as Saint Gregory's Abbey was founded around 660. Its purpose was to promote Christianity in the region, which had been in decline since the fall of the Western Roman Empire. It thrived with the support of the Frankish kings, particularly Childeric II and Louis the Pious. Over time, the abbey faced conflicts with the bishops of Basel, Strasbourg, and the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire.
As the region largely turned to Protestantism, the abbey's influence waned. It experienced a revival under Louis XIV, who sent French monks to restore and rebuild the dilapidated buildings. During the 18th century, the abbey became an important regional intellectual center, with figures like Abbot Charles Marchant and theologian Augustin Calmet passing through.
However, the French Revolution led to the dissolution of the abbey and the confiscation and sale of its assets. Some of the convent buildings, including the abbey church, were destroyed in the years following the Revolution, while the rest were converted into a textile factory by the industrialist André Hartmann. This factory was also destroyed during World War I, leaving only the abbot's residence and some cloister ruins.
References:Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.
The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.