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Updated: 16-dec-2009
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Remember I said some castles in the Netherlands were considered annoying because of the space they occupy? Well this castle is a perfect example. In 1997 the local authorities in Schiedam build a new town hall with absolutely no consideration to the remains of this castle which marks the foundation of Schiedam. Of course they won't admit it, but I think they are just waiting for the remains to collapse so they can enlarge the new town hall. They even flooded the area around the castle so no one could get near to it. A real disgrace.
The name "Huis te Riviere" means House at the River. It's also known under the name Mathenesse Castle. In 1258 the castle was founded by lady Aleida van Henegouwen when she was appointed guardian of the young count Floris V. In 1339 it was given to Dirk van Mathenesse. The people of the city of Delft destroyed the castle in 1351 after which it was rebuild on a less extensive scale. In 1575 the castle was destroyed again, this time by the inhabitants of Schiedam. Probably it was partially rebuild after that, because in 1587 and 1588 Spanish troops stayed in the castle. Twice during their stay, a fire broke out in the castle causing it to become totally dilapidated. When they finally left, the castle had fallen into decay. In 1598 it was not much more than a ruin.
The present day remains mostly consist of the keep.
Location and contact information Broersvest in Schiedam. Not accessible. Huis te Riviere Castle Links  A beautiful drawing made by R. Roghman around 1647 of the castle ruins and the surrounding countryside. What a difference! |
A little history
The oldest castle, which was planned to be a square fortress with a defence wall on a scale of 50 x 50 meters,
was never completed. Possibly the Count of Holland feared a to strong a castle in his territory. At the end
of the 13th century the castle consisted of a main castle and a bailey separated by a moat. The main castle
consisted of a heavy keep with 3 meter thick walls in the south eastern corner. The western wall of the keep
connected with the ramparts, the northern wall connected with the curtain wall. At the northwestern corner of
the castle stood a square tower. In 1350 a large rebuilding took place and at the northern side of the keep
new living quarters were added.