Batestein Castle

Batestein Castle, locally known as Kasteel Batestein, lies in the town of Vianen, in the Utrecht province in the Netherlands.

Batestein Castle was built in the 14th century by Gijsbrecht van Beusichem, Lord of Vianen. It was built in a corner of the town of Vianen, within the city walls. The large square keep was built around 1370 from the ransom received for the French Count de Saint-Pol who had been held hostage at Batestein Castle. The keep was named St. Pol as a result. This name later changed to Simple Tower. In 1414 the castle passed to Walraven I van Brederode through marriage.

Under Hendrick van Brederode (1531-1568) Batestein Castle experienced its golden age, even coins were minted at the castle. In 1566 the Beggars gathered in Batestein Castle and drew up a political document that was later handed over to Margaretha of Parma, governess of the Netherlands. In 1567 the town and castle were taken by the Spanish army.

In the 17th century Batestein Castle again came into the hands of the Van Brederode family. They rebuilt the castle around 1650 to a more comfortable and modern residence. It are the remains of that castle that can be seen today.

In 1696 fireworks started at large fire in the castle, which destroyed a large part of the castle. Due to financial problems Batestein Castle was never rebuilt. In 1725 the remains of the castle were sold to the States of Holland and West-Friesland by Lord Simon Hendrik Adolf von der Lippe. The large keep was torn down in 1771, the rest of the castle followed in 1828-1829. The only thing left at present of the castle are part of the decorative gate, called the Hof or Bosch Gate, and some connecting wall parts. The former castle terrain is now built over with houses.

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