Henkenshage Castle, Sint-Oedenrode, 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 storeys. 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 storey, 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 WW II 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.

References:

castles.nl

Castles and fortifications in Netherlands

Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Thiago Soares (5 years ago)
A really nice small castle.

S. Bajrami (5 years ago)
Super place so wonderfull

Jan Luijpers (5 years ago)
Last Friday we celebrated a super nice wedding of friends. Also with corona measures, still had a fantastic day. The food was delicious, the service was top notch and the cooperation in terms of organization was very pleasant. Thanks Sjors for the good care!

alireza mohammadkhani (5 years ago)
Beautiful place for a short visit. We didnt use the restaurant though.

Henkenshage Castle

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Sigmaringen Castle