The old Hanseatic town of Deventer lies on the right bank of the IJssel. Although it has preserved a number of beautiful old houses in the town center it is predominantly a town of modern aspect with active industries, the most important of which are carpet-making and the manufacture of bicycles. It is also famed for its honey cakes (kruidkoeken)
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History
The origins of the town go back to the Carolingian period (809), though there is evidence that the site was occupied 3,000 years ago. By the ninth century Deventer had developed into an important trading town, and during the medieval period it became a member of the Hanseatic League. It received its municipal charter in the 13th century. It was the birthplace of the theologian Geert Groote (1340-84), founder in 1376 of the monastic community of Brothers of the Common Life. Among members of the brotherhood were Erasmus (who lived in Deventer in 1475-76), Thomas à Kempis, Pope Hadrian VI and Descartes. The painter Hendrick Terbruggen was born in Deventer in 1588; his painting of the four Evangelists can be seen in the Town Hall.
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