Krefeld

Krefeld, one of the most important manufacturing towns of Germany, stands about 4 miles from the left bank of the Rhine and 12 NW. of Düsseldorf. It owes its importance to the settlement here, in the 17th and 18th centuries, of refugees from Juliers and Berg, and the neighbouring countries, compelled to leave their homes by religious persecution; they established the silk and velvet manufactures for which Krefeld is now noted. In 1885 the number of looms engaged in these manufactures was 29,837, and the value of the fabrics exported was upwards of £2,975,000. Here are large railway repair shops, iron-foundries, and works for making machinery, and manufactures of chemicals, soap, spirits, &c. The town possesses a technical school of weaving, &c. Pop. (1875) 62,840; (1890) 105,376.