LEMGO

lemgo, a town of germany, in the principality of lippe, in a broad and fertile plain, 9 m. n. from detmold and on the railway hameln-lage. pop. (1900) 8840. its somewhat gloomy aspect, enhanced by the tortuous narrow lanes flanked by gabled houses of the 15th century, has gained for it among countryfolk the sobriquet of the "witches' nest" (_hexen-nest_). it is replete with interest for the antiquarian. it has four evangelical churches, two with curiously leaning, lead-covered spires; an old town-hall; a gymnasium; and several philanthropic and religious institutions. among the latter is the jungfrauenstift, of which a princess of the reigning house of lippe-detmold has always been lady superior since 1306. the chief industry of lemgo is the manufacture of meerschaum pipes, which has attained here a high pitch of excellence; other industries are weaving, brewing and the manufacture of leather and cigars. the town was a member of the hanseatic league.