Lebuinus church - Deventer

In 768, the English missionary Lebuïnus built a small wooden church with the idea of converting the Saxons. In 770, the small church was already destroyed by the Saxons. Nevertheless, this became the site where another church was later built.

In the 10th century, Bishop Balderik built the first stone church, which was converted into a Romanesque basilica in 1040. After burning down twice, the current church was built on the foundations of that stone church between 1450 and 1525. The tower was built at the end of the 16th century. Originally it was to be two towers, but the attached St Mary's Church stood in the way.

The little houses built against the church, known as Stovezetters houses, were inhabited by old women from whom you could buy a cloth with a glowing coal. Now you will find quaint little shops in them. On the tower are the words 'Fide Deo, Vigila, Consule, Fortis Age'. That means: trust in God, be vigilant and thoughtful, act fearlessly. And that is what the Deventer Hanseatic merchants did.