Bleijenbeek Castle Ruins, Afferden, Netherlands

Bleijenbeek Castle was built of bricks around 1300. According to the 19th-century historian A.J. van der Aa, the castle is known for its numerous sieges by the armies of Guelders and Spain. In 1580, the castle was besieged by the forces of Guelders, but it was defended bravely by the lord of the castle, Marten Schenk. When the Duke of Parma sent cavalry, the besieging army had to retreat. In 1589, Schenk changed sides, and the castle was besieged by Marcus van Rije, the stadtholder of Guelders appointed by the Spanish king; this time, the castle was conquered.

The castle has lain in ruins since the bombardment by the British RAF on 21 and 22 February 1945, during Operation Veritable. In 2009, the property was purchased by the Bleijenbeek Foundation, which intends to restore the remaining structure, moat, and surrounding gardens and provide public access after work is complete. Construction began in the summer of 2012.

References:

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User Reviews

Holly Vettori (4 years ago)
Behind a gate, but that didn’t stop me. Got muddy shoes, but made it in. I traveled there all the way from California to see my ancestral home. Didn’t know it was actually a castle! With a moat! Even found a street in the town with my maiden name on it! Thank you dear old friend Jan for driving us there!

Kasper Spiro (5 years ago)
Just a castle ruin. Nice but behind a gate. No entrance

Carl Hansson (5 years ago)
It was closed to the public.

Thomas Sallermann (5 years ago)
Interesting ruin of a castle

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The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

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The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.

Bleijenbeek Castle Ruins

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