When Bokhoven Castle was first built is unknown. It was first mentioned in 1392 when Jan Oem van Arckel founded a chapel at the castle. Archeological excavations show that the oldest castle consisted of a 5 by 5 meters square keep with 1 till 1,4 meter thick walls, a great hall with a walled courtyard and a well. It was situated on a slightly elevated terrain and circled by a moat, which stood dry during summer.

In 1498 the castle was destroyed by the troops of Karel van Gelre but rebuilt. In 1499 the manor was elevated to a barony and in 1640 to a county.

In 1672 the castle was blown up by the French. Only the gate tower and the residential wing survived. It was probably restored because in 1794 it was described as a beautiful mansion. In 1794 and 1795 the castle was occupied by the French and when they left they tore down the walls. The high water level of the nearby river Maas did the rest so remaining wall fragments had to be demolished.

In 1810 only a small gate tower remained, two towers and part of the curtain wall. Later this gate tower and one of the towers disappeared as a result of neglect of demolition. The remaining wall and tower fragments were consolidated in 1974. At the same time a private house was built on the castle terrain.

Location and contact information

At Gravin Helenastraat 2 in Bokhoven.
The castle terrain is private property and therefore not accessible.

Bokhoven Castle Links

• Nederlandse Middeleeuwse Kastelen

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