Rumbeke Castle

Rumbeke Castle, locally known as Kasteel van Rumbeke, lies in a wooded domain on the south side of the city of Roeselare, in the province of West Flanders in the Flemish region in Belgium.

According to legend, Count Baldwin I eloped from the town of Senlis with Judith, the daughter of Charles the Bald, King of West Francia, in 862 AD. They fled to a supposed predecessor of Rumbeke Castle. After Pope Nicholas I allowed them to marry, Charles the Bald had to accept the situation and granted them large pieces of land. This is said to be the origin of the County of Flanders.

Rumbeke Castle was probably built sometime during the 12th century. At that time, it was likely more of a lightly fortified farm than a true castle. Through sales, inheritances, and marriages, it passed through several families.

In 1479, it came into the possession of the Counts of Thiennes through marriage. During the next century, the present Rumbeke Castle was constructed. It was built as a moated manor, with defenses intended only to deter plunderers and bands of thieves. The De Thiennes family rebuilt, expanded, and decorated the castle over the next three centuries. The castle sustained damage during the invasion of Flanders by Louis XIV of France in the 17th century and later during the French Revolution.

In 1855, Rumbeke Castle was transferred to the Counts of Limburg-Stirum through marriage. During World War I and II, the castle was used to house German officers. In 1988, it was sold by the Count of Limburg-Stirum to the local government.

Currently, Rumbeke Castle is rented to a company and used as office space. Occasionally, exhibitions are held there. Visitors can access the interior during these exhibitions or during group visits by appointment. The castle grounds are freely accessible during the daytime. A beautiful castle.

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