Femlinde mit Freistuhl

Femlinde mit Freistuhl stands in Dortmund at the original seat of the medieval Vehmic courts in Westphalia. The Freistuhl occupied a square between two linden trees, including one known as the Femelinde. Today, the historic spot is wheelchair accessible and connects Dortmund with a powerful chapter of medieval justice.

From the thirteenth to the eighteenth century, lay judges called Freischöffen gathered here under imperial authority. Their courts could pronounce capital punishment in the Holy Roman Emperor’s name. Secret proceedings and immediate executions gave the Vehmic courts their fearsome reputation, although historical research found no evidence of torture. Cologne’s growing influence led to the transfer of this seat to Arnsberg in 1437, while territorial rulers gradually replaced the courts’ authority.

The court’s arrangement centred on a bench, with a table, sword and rope before the Freigraf and Schöffen. In 1811, Jérôme Bonaparte ordered the final abolition of the Vehmic courts in Westphalia.