The city was founded in 1970 out of the formerly independent villages of Willich, Anrath, Schiefbahn and Neersen, although the villages are much older. Anrath was mentioned for the first time in 1010, Willich in 1245, Neersen in 1262 and Schiefbahn in 1420.
In 1891 a tornado devastated Anrath. The village was already impoverished by the decline of previously dominant domestic weaving and now the municipal administration of Anrath even considered a dissolution of the village. To improve the economic situation a royal prison was built. It was completed in 1905.
In 1908 Stahlwerk Becker (a steel mill) was built and up to its closing in 1932 (during the Great Depression) was one of the largest employers in Willich. After the Nazi seizure of power (30 January 1933), the steel mill got a new owner and was reopened in 1934. Military supplies (at first for the German rearmament and later for World War II) were manufactured there. The factory was finally closed in 1945 and the grounds were converted to a military base for the British Armed Forces.
During World War II, Willich suffered only minor damage to its infrastructure. During Operation Grenade on March 1, 1945, American forces which had entered Schiefbahn met a counterattack from a German Panzer unit. Heavy fighting erupted, with both sides suffering numerous casualties.[3]
During the 19th century more than 100 Jews lived in the four villages. During the Third Reich, the Nazis deported 40 Jews – of whom 38 were ultimately murdered in the Nazi death camps.
British Army
The British Army of the Rhine had soldiers stationed in Willich for more than 40 years: 40 Army Engineer Support Regiment (40 AESR), which by the early 1980s was reduced down to 40 Army Engineer Support Group (40 AESG). Both units belonged to the Royal Engineers. In 1992 the camp was closed and the group disbanded. In July 2009 a reunion took place in the old camp. 141 attended the evening event. There was a reunion again in 2012 with over 200 joining in the complete weekend.[citation needed]
Economy
Some international companies, especially from the Far East, have their European or German headquarters in Willich.
The most famous building is Schloss Neersen. The castle goes back to the 13th century and was heavily rebuilt in the 17th century. It now houses many town council offices. An open-air summer theatre is held in the grounds.
Klein-Jerusalem chapel
A moderately well-known pilgrimage destination is the 17th century Klein-Jerusalem wayside chapel.
Anrath Prison
The former royal prison in Anrath is now a federal state prison named Justizvollzugsanstalt Willich.[4]
^Hügen, Ludwig (1974). Der Krieg geht zu Ende. Niederrheinische Berichte zur Operation Grenade 1945. Schriftenreihe des Kreises Kempen-Krefeld. (in German)
