All that remains of the former Strijen Castle is a single tower fragment of seven storeys high, which is also known as the Slotbossche Tower.

The building of Strijen Castle probably started in 1288 by Willem Willemszoon van Strijen. Strangely enough the bailey was situated on the territory of the County of Holland and the castle itself on the territory of the Duchy of Brabant.

In 1324 the castle was bought by Willem van Duivenvoorde who reinforced and renovated it. When he died the castle became property of his half-brother Jan van Polanen.

In 1573, during the 80-Years war, the castle was destroyed after a siege by Spanish troops. It was never rebuild and fell into decay. In the next centuries the castle ruin was used as a quarry for stones which were used to repair roads and a church in and around the village of Oosterhout.

Location and contact information

At the end of the Kasteeldreef / Hoofseweg in Oosterhout.
Not accessible.

Strijen Castle Links

• Dutch Royal Genealogy
• Mathieu in Wonderland
• Ruine Huis ten Strijen
• Haunted Castles of the Netherlands
• My Home Is My Castle

An engraving from 1636, made by A. van Santvoort, showing the ruin.

Back to top.