Heemstede Castle

Castle in the Netherlands, now demolished

52°20′23″N 4°37′53″E / 52.33972°N 4.63139°E / 52.33972; 4.63139TypeCastleSite informationConditionRuinSite historyBuilt1280 (1280)MaterialsBrickDemolished1810

Heemstede Castle (Dutch: Slot Heemstede) is the site of the old castle of Heemstede. The property is situated at the site of the former castle 'Heerlijkheid Heemstede', or 'Huis te Heemstede', at a strategic position on mouth of the Spaarne river on the Haarlem lake (since 1853 pumped dry and called the Haarlemmermeer polder).

History

The castle was first built in 1280, by Dirk van Hoylede from the region of Vlaardingen. Built, burned and rebuilt over the centuries, it was last torn down in 1810, after years of neglect. The monumental gatekeeper's house 'Nederhuys', built in 1630, remains intact as well as the foundations from the Middle Ages.

Pons Pacis, or 'Peace Bridge' installed by Adriaan Pauw from the South, Oude Slot, Heemstede

Boat landing on the Ringvaart for water tourists.

Adrian Pauw

The most famous owner of the castle was Adriaan Pauw, who bought it in 1620. He played a role in the Treaty of Münster, and built the bridge Pons Pacis to commemorate the peace treaty.

References

Kransber, D. & H. Mils, Kastelengids van Nederland, middeleeuwen, Bussem 1979 (ISBN 90 228 3856 0)
Kalkwiek, K.A., A.I.J.M. Schellart, H.P.H. Jansen & P.W. Geudeke, Atlas van de Nederlandse kastelen, Alphen aan den Rijn 1980 (ISBN 90 218 2477 9)
Helsdingen, H.W. van, Gids voor de Nederlandse kastelen en buitenplaatsen, Amsterdam 1966
Tromp, H.M.J., Kijk op kastelen Amsterdam 1979 (ISBN 90 10 02446 6)