Oosterhesselen

Oosterhesselen is an esdorp which developed in the early Middle Ages. It has a large village green with the church in the middle.^[4] It was first mentioned in 1207 as Oesterhelsel, and refers to the common hazel tree. Oost (East) has been added to distinguish it from Westerhesselen.^[5] Westerhesselen was renamed Darp in the 19th century.^[6]

The church tower dates from the 15th century. The matching church was destroyed during the 1592 Siege of Coevorden, and in 1628 a new church was constructed detached from the tower.^[4]

The havezate De Klencke dates from the Middle Ages.^[4] A havezate was a requirement to be admitted to the Knights of Drenthe.^[7] It was first mentioned in 1482, and was extensively modified in 1670. It is surrounded by a moat.^[4] The 450 hectares (1,100 acres) forest around the estate has become a nature area.^[8]

In 1819, Oosterhesselen became an independent municipality.^[3] 1840, Oosterhesselen was home to 889 people.^[9] The town hall dates from 1912, and forms a single building with the mayor's residence.^[4]

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  Estate De Klenche
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  Farm t Tolhoes
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  Alpacas in Oosterhesselen
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  Nature area De Klencke