Weberei- und Heimatmuseum

Description

Laichingen has been a town of weavers since time immemorial. The history of its inhabitants has therefore been intertwined with that of the weavers throughout the centuries. According to Professor Dr Rolf Walter, Laichingen was even “one of the most important centres of traditional linen weaving in Württemberg…” The weaver’s trade has never been considered a socially prestigious occupation. It was not until the Industrial Age that a noticeable change for the better began to take hold in Laichingen. However, since the mid-20th century, the industry began to decline due to competition from much cheaper fabrics from India and China. Even today, though, there are still two companies in Laichingen which sell high quality linen.

The Weberei- und Heimatmuseum (Weaving and Local History Museum) is housed in the former Heiligenhaus, which once formed part of the ‘Kirchenburg’ – a fortification that surrounded St Albans Church (first mentioned in records in 1085). This complex, whose fortification walls and buildings have survived to the present day, was built in 1555 on the orders of Duke Christoph of Württemberg to provide protection for salt convoys during the night stay.