The historic armory at the Pferdemarkt has had various functions. The Swedish military stored weapons in the armory at the time. And in the many years that followed, various military units used the building. It was only a hundred years ago that the building was converted into a market hall. Later, a youth hostel moved in and then a cinema 70 years ago. Many Stade residents still watched films there and ate popcorn. The last time craftsmen arrived for a major renovation was 30 years ago. Archaeologists discovered the tomb of Gottfried von Arnsberg and the remains of St. George's Church. Like many other buildings in Stade, the Swedes built the armory, which was completed over 320 years ago. Like the Swedish warehouse, it is a large building from the Swedish period. And if you have already been to the town hall or the Swedish warehouse, you will quickly guess what can be seen in the sandstone at the main portal, i.e. the main entrance? The symbol of the Swedish King Charles XII and the crown. The Swedes wanted to show that "we have supremacy here!"