Dartford - Hanau twinning
About Hanau
The old part of Hanau got city rights in 1303. New Hanau was founded in 1597 by refugees settled down from Wallonie and Netherland. Both Hanau parts joined together to one City of Hanau at the beginning of the 19th century.
In the Hanau crest, which was designed 1905 by professor Hildebrandt / Berlin, we find signs from both parts of Hanau: the old town is symbolized by an mounting lion, the new part by three golden and red sparrs.
The Hanau colours are red and gold. On the top you find the swan, which has its origin in a former old crest of the dukes of Hanau.
History of Link
Hanau was Dartford’s first Twin Town going back some 30 years and the link is maintained almost entirely by the Dartford Town Twinning Association. Consideration was given to linking the Chambers of Commerce and to look at common issues on economic development particularly bearing in mind Hanau’s location relative to Frankfurt which closely mirrors Dartford’s relationship with London. This has not led to any joint project proposals.
Members Comments
Members viewed the link as important, and recognised that the Twinning Association and other community organisations, such as sports clubs, have traditionally taken the lead in maintaining it. Members considered that it should continue as a ‘community’ and ‘friendship link’, with civic involvement where appropriate.
