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Frechen is a town in the Rhein-Erft-Kreis, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Frechen was first mentioned in 877. It is situated at the western Cologne city border. In the 1500s it acquired a name for its terra cotta artifacts, especially the "Bartmannskrug" (beardman jug). Later in the 1700s lignite was first industrially mined. Digging for lignite dominated the city's economy until the end of the 20th century. In 1891 the first briquette factory was opened. On 2 September 1951 Frechen received its city-rights including the towns of Bachem and Buschbell. On 1 January 1975 the nearby villages of Grefrath, Habbelrath, Königsdorf and Neufreimersdorf were also incorporated.
Currently there are 51.387 inhabitants registered (as of January 31, 2008).
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