Rechteren Castle

Rechteren Castle, locally known as Kasteel Rechteren, lies southeast of the town of Dalfsen, in the province of Overijssel in the Netherlands.

Rechteren Castle was preceded by a moated and fortified farm, which was first mentioned in 1190 as a property of the German counts of Bentheim. Through an exchange, that farm came into the possession of a knight called Herman van Voorst in 1315. Soon after, around 1320, he built the castle, situated on an island in an old arm of the Overijsselse Vecht river.

Through inheritance the castle went to Frederik Van Heeckeren in 1339. When ownership transferred to his son Sweder van Heeckeren in 1386, Sweder started to call himself Van Rechteren.

During the 15th century 2 extra floors were added to the round keep, originally being 3 floors high. It now is 33 m high.

Between 1584 and 1590, during the 80 Years' War, Rechteren castle was occupied by Spanish troops. After it was taken back by Maurice, Prince of Orange, he had the defenses of the castle slighted, only sparing the round keep. After this, the castle lost its military purpose. Archaeological excavations carried out in the 20th century showed the castle had had a round curtain wall with several wall towers.

Even though the castle had no more military importance, it was still garrisoned by Dutch States soldiers in 1665 to protect it from a possible attack by Christoph Bernhard van Galen, the Prince-bishop of Münster. Their stay at the castle caused much damage.

In the 18th and 19th century several wings were added and others were remodeled. In the 1950s the neo-Gothic additions were removed.

At present Rechteren Castle is a private residence. The grounds of the castle can only be visited during National Heritage Days and sometimes as a guest of cultural events. Too bad, I am very curious about the inside of the big tower. A very nice castle.

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Rechteren Castle

Rechteren Castle, locally known as Kasteel Rechteren, lies southeast of the town of Dalfsen, in the province of Overijssel in the Netherlands.

Rechteren Castle was preceded by a moated and fortified farm, which was first mentioned in 1190 as a property of the German counts of Bentheim. Through an exchange, that farm came into the possession of a knight called Herman van Voorst in 1315. Soon after, around 1320, he built the castle, situated on an island in an old arm of the Overijsselse Vecht river.

Through inheritance the castle went to Frederik Van Heeckeren in 1339. When ownership transferred to his son Sweder van Heeckeren in 1386, Sweder started to call himself Van Rechteren.

During the 15th century 2 extra floors were added to the round keep, originally being 3 floors high. It now is 33 m high.

Between 1584 and 1590, during the 80 Years' War, Rechteren castle was occupied by Spanish troops. After it was taken back by Maurice, Prince of Orange, he had the defenses of the castle slighted, only sparing the round keep. After this, the castle lost its military purpose. Archaeological excavations carried out in the 20th century showed the castle had had a round curtain wall with several wall towers.

Even though the castle had no more military importance, it was still garrisoned by Dutch States soldiers in 1665 to protect it from a possible attack by Christoph Bernhard van Galen, the Prince-bishop of Münster. Their stay at the castle caused much damage.

In the 18th and 19th century several wings were added and others were remodeled. In the 1950s the neo-Gothic additions were removed.

At present Rechteren Castle is a private residence. The grounds of the castle can only be visited during National Heritage Days and sometimes as a guest of cultural events. Too bad, I am very curious about the inside of the big tower. A very nice castle.

Gallery

Details
Hits: 3253