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Updated: 16-dec-2009
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A little historySchagen Castle was probably founded in 1394 by Willem, who was a bastard son of Albrecht van Beieren, Count of Holland. Lord Willem rebuilt and enlarged the castle in 1440 until it became a square, moated castle. He also incorporated two marble columns in the main fireplace, which he took back from his crusade to Palestine. His descendants kept ownership of the castle until 1568. During the 80-Years war the castle was occupied by Diederic Sonoy, who was appointed as governor for this northern part of Holland by William of Orange, nicknamed "the Silent". This Diederic had an ill reputation as he tortured anyone whom he suspected of having ties with the Spaniards. Even some beheadings took place.
In 1675 the castle was put up for auction but there were no serious bidders. In 1676 it was finally
sold to a Belgian noble family; de Warfusé. Through this family it went to another Belgian noble family;
d'Oultremont. They didn't reside in the castle and so the castle fell even further into decay.
In 1799 the castle was used to garrison English soldiers which also caused severe damage. Finally in 1820 the crumbling castle was torn down, with exception of the two corner towers. Most of its interior, that still had some value, including the marble columns, was moved to Belgium. The remaining two towers were used for some time as a prison and the jailers residence, even during WW I. The rest of the terrain was used as a cemetery. The towers were renovated in 1931. In 2001/2 a new hotel was built on the site of the old castle. The hotel was built in a semi-medieval style and incorporated the two towers. Although this rebuilt 'castle' hotel is not my favorite solution, it did save the towers for further decay.
Location and contact information
Schagen Castle Links
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In 1658 the castle was bought by George van Cats. Because his wife was a Nassau family member, Prince
William III was entertained several times at the castle. This did however not prevent the start of the
decay of the castle. George tore down the square gate tower and some of the curtain walls to give the
castle a more manor-like appearance.
At Slotplein 4 in Schagen, tel.nr. 0224-299330.