BIELEFELD, chief town of a subdivision of the district of Minden, north-eastern Westphalia, Prussia, c. 4om. E. by N. of Munster. Pop. (1933) 120,872. It is situated at the foot of the Teutoburger Wald, and consists of two portions, separated by the river Luther, which were first united into one town in 1520. Bielefeld is mentioned as early as the 9th century, as Belanvelde. It joined the Hanseatic league in 1270. In 1347 the town passed with the countship of Ravensberg to the duchy of Jiilich, and in 1666 to that of Brandenburg. Among its public buildings and in stitutions are the old town church, with a curious carved altar piece, and the town hall. Above the town lies the old castle of Sparenburg, built in the I2th century by Bernhard, count of Lippe. It was restored after its destruction by fire in 1877 and now con tains a historical museum. Bielefeld is the centre of the West phalian linen industry, which dates from the i3th century, and was extended by Dutch settlers in the 16th and 17th centuries. It has also important plush, silk and hosiery manufactures and extensive bleaching works, and does an extensive export trade. Engines, automobiles, glass, furniture and paper are also made.