Henkenshage Castle

Henkenshage Castle, locally known as Kasteel Henkenshage, lies in the village of Sint-Oedenrode, in the North Brabant province in the Netherlands.

Henkenshage may look like a medieval castle but it is not. Although it was built during the 14th century under the name Hanekenshage it was just a simple building. During the 15th century it was also known under the name Strijpe or Streepen.

In 1748 Henkenshage Castle was sold to Willem, Baron of Haren. In 1801 it was fitted as a convent for Augustinian nuns.

Around 1850 the castle was bought by Pieter J. de Girard de Mielet van Coehoorn. At that time the castle was still a simple manor with no stories. He had the castle rebuilt by the famous Dutch architect PJH. Cuypers, who also rebuilt De Haar Castle and built the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Cuypers built the two towers, added a story, replaced the main entrance to the house from the south to the north side and built the gate building.

In 1940 Henkenshage came into possession of the local government. During WWII it was used as a distribution office and during the liberation in 1944 it was the headquarters of the 101st Airborne Division.

At present the castle is used by a catering company and can not be visited. So, although Henkenshage Castle is not a real medieval castle, I think it has a lot of atmosphere.

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