Oosterhesselen is a village in the Dutch province of Drenthe. It is located in the municipality of Coevorden, about 9 km north of the city. Oosterhesselen was a separate municipality between 1819 and 1998, when it was merged with Coevorden.[3]
History
Oosterhesselen is an esdorp which developed in the early Middle Ages. It has a large village green with the church in the middle.[4] It was first mentioned in 1207 as Oesterhelsel, and refers to the common hazel tree. Oost (East) has been added to distinguish it from Westerhesselen.[5] Westerhesselen was renamed Darp in the 19th century.[6]
The church tower dates from the 15th century. The matching church was destroyed during the 1592 Siege of Coevorden, and in 1628 a new church was constructed detached from the tower.[4]
The havezate De Klencke dates from the Middle Ages.[4] A havezate was a requirement to be admitted to the Knights of Drenthe.[7] It was first mentioned in 1482, and was extensively modified in 1670. It is surrounded by a moat.[4] The 450 hectares (1,100 acres) forest around the estate has become a nature area.[8]
In 1819, Oosterhesselen became an independent municipality.[3] 1840, Oosterhesselen was home to 889 people.[9] The town hall dates from 1912, and forms a single building with the mayor's residence.[4]
