Guelders Tower

Guelders Tower, locally known as Gelderse Toren, lies on the west bank of the IJssel river, between the villages of Dieren and Brummen, in the province of Gelderland in the Netherlands.

The first fortification at this strategic spot, on the banks of the IJssel river, was a watchtower owned by the Counts of Zutphen. It was first mentioned in 1179. Nothing is known about its appearance. The foundations of the present tower however date back to the 13th century.

In 1535 the tower was torn down and a new one was built on its foundations by Charles II of Egmond, Duke of Guelders. After it was completed Charles granted it to his bastard son Charles of Guelders the Youngest.

In February 1624 the Guelders Tower was pillaged by Spanish troops under the command of Count Hendrik van den Bergh, who was not only Dutch but even a full nephew of Prince Maurice of Orange.

During the 17th and 18th century the tower passed to the Van Delen, Van Nagell, Van Broeckhuysen and the Van Rhemen tot Rhemenshuizen families, through inheritance.

In 1868 the Guelders Tower was in such a state of disrepair that its then owner; Alexander Baron van Rhemen tot Rhemenshuizen, had the entire tower demolished from the first floor up. The tower was then rebuilt in Gothic Revival style. When completed, the outside was plastered to hide the difference in stones between the old and new part.

At present the Guelders Tower is private property and used as a residence. It can not be visited. Too bad, such a nice tower, I am very curious about its interior.

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