| Deventer was probably founded by the English missionary Lebuinus around 768, who built a wooden church on the border of the IJssel. This was not the first human settlement at the location: in Roman age there probably was a stronghold called Daventria in place. The favorable location has probably seen habitation ever since.Deventer received city rights in 956. From this date fortifications were built around the city for defense. Between 1000 and 1500, Deventer grew to be a flourishing trade city because of its harbour on the river IJssel, which was reachable for large ships. The city was a member of the Hanseatic League.Deventer is the place of birth of Geert Groote and home to his Brethren of the Common Life, a school of religious thought that was of great influence on Thomas a Kempis and Erasmus in later times Deventer |  |