Heeswijk Castle
Heeswijk Castle is a beautiful medieval castle, located near the eponymous Dutch city in the southern Dutch province of North Brabant. Heeswijk is called water castle Citadel – it is beautifully surrounded by a moat filled with water; Palace to enter a wooden bridge. In its present form the charming castle was rebuilt in 2005.
The first castle at this place was built sometime before 1100, first fortress Heeswijk mentioned in 1156, when it was owned by Count Almericus. The original structure is presumed to be of type "mote-and-bailey", as the castle stood high on an artificial hill, surrounded by walls.
In the 13th century the castle is owned by the family Van Benthum after the conclusion of their marriage . They probably have extended Heeswijk in the late 13th century building a round tower and a square tower on the site.
In 14 century the then owners of the castle began an ambitious plan to erect the castle within a strong defense wall. This plan was completed around 1450. In 1499 Heeswijk castle becomes the property of the Lord of Zevenbergen - Cornelis de Glymes, which adds elements of Gothic architecture of the castle.
In 1649 the fortress was transformed into a baroque palace. In July 1672 French King Louis XIV and his army settled in the castle during the battle against the Dutch Republic.
In 1834 the palace was purchased by Belgian Baron Andreas van den Bogaerde van Terbrugge, which makes much effort to repair Heeswijk. He and his sons were art collectors and have it furnished with any kind of art objects.
In 1885 Andreas died, the castle remained uninhabited and it’s departed master remains quite strange legacy. Heeswijk must remain empty until 1963, when his youngest heir (at that time 12 years) will be below 80 years. This was a cause for dissatisfaction with the family, through the court, trying to sell valuable items in the palace, but it never happens.
Currently the castle Heeswijk can be used for any type of cultural activities, and personal celebrations. Beyond its walls, it also houses an interesting museum which tells the life and traditions in the 19 century. For large parties using a plain room with weapons, but in Heeswijk, there are some interesting areas.
