Deurne Castle

Deurne, Netherlands

Deurne Castle was built shortly before 1387 by Gevaert Everaertszoon van Doerne on a sandy elevation in the swampy valley of a small stream the Vlier. It was a square building with several turrets. Due to the thickness of the walls it probably didn't have a real military purpose.

In 1511 the castle was burned down by the Geldersen but was rebuilt. Only to be plundered by Spanish troops in 1599. In 1645 the bailiff Otto de Vischere rebuilt the decaying castle into an inn. In 1653 the castle was enlarged by Rogier, Baron of Leefdael, who had bought it in 1651. Around 1750 the height of the turrets was lowered; removing the spires, and part of the north wing was demolished. In 1759 the castle was bought by Theodorus de Smeth. His family also thoroughly rebuilt the castle and would own it until WW2.

During the liberation of Deurne in 1944 the castle suffered heavily from Allied fire. The remains we see today mostly date back to the 17th century.

On the other side of the road stands the predecessor of Deurne Castle; the Klein Kasteel or Oud Kasteel, which translates to the Little Castle or Old Castle. It's a 14th century tower house with added farm buildings.

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Details

Founded: c. 1387
Category: Castles and fortifications in Netherlands

More Information

www.castles.nl

Rating

4.2/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Patrick van der Veen (2 years ago)
Damaged
Rodolfo Hansen (2 years ago)
It looks so much bigger on a photo...
viktorija Bel (3 years ago)
Nice
Twan IJpelaar (5 years ago)
Prachgtige kasteel ruine die voor een groot deel intact is. De omgeving is ook heel autenthiek gebleven.
Ilse Claes (6 years ago)
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