Bechen

Oldest mention of the village - the church around 1175.

The oldest name is Beche, around 1300 Beke and from 1363 Bechen - probably after the streams that spring from the ridge.

The oldest written mention of the village is in connection with the naming of a church around 1175. The associated free noble Fronhof was sold to Altenberg Monastery in 1301 with all its land, income and rights. Bechen thus belonged ecclesiastically to Altenberg for several centuries. The Cistercians were responsible for pastoral care until 1806

The village lies on the Heerweg, an old long-distance road between Cologne - Wipperfürth and Soest. Trade and commerce developed here in the 19th century. The nickname of the people of Bechen is "The Bechen Donkeys". It is said to refer to the old trade to the Cologne markets, where it was said: "Loss mer noch jett waade mem koofen, de Bechener Ässel sin noch nit do!" - "Wait with the shopping, the Bechen donkeys are not here yet".

In 1975, Bechen celebrated its 800th anniversary. Around 1871 there were 15 houses and 107 inhabitants.