Popkensburg Castle

Popkensburg Castle was a former castle located in the village of Sint Laurens, in the province of Zeeland, Netherlands.

When it was first built is unknown, but it is believed to have been founded by Jan van Popkensborch, a Frisian settler. The castle was first mentioned in 1353 when Claes of Borselen rebuilt it. In 1426, it passed to Adrian of Borselen, who also owned St. Aldegonde Castle and resided there. Since then, it likely served only as a home for a steward.

Later, the castle came into the hands of the Lords of Veere through inheritance. Maximilian of Burgundy, Marquis of Veere, carried out renovations in 1553. After he died penniless in 1558, the castle and lands were sold publicly. Its new owners supported the Spanish Crown, so during the Siege of Middelburg (1572-1574), Spanish soldiers garrisoned Popkensburg Castle, preventing it from being destroyed by the Sea Beggars.

In 1631, Walter Fourmenois purchased the castle. Upon his death, it was inherited by his sister, who was married to Pieter Boudaen Courten. Through marriages and inheritance, Jacob van Citters acquired the castle in 1762. Jacob was the mayor of Middelburg, sub-Stadtholder of Walcheren, and a member of the Guardianship Board of William V, Prince of Orange, during his minority. The castle was evidently in poor condition, prompting Jacob to restore it and make it livable again.

When Jacob died in 1792, the castle passed to his son, Jacob Verheye van Citters. As a member of the Court of Holland, he resided in The Hague. However, after the Austrian Netherlands was annexed by the French First Republic in 1795, his political career ended, and he moved to Popkensburg.

His descendants owned the castle until 1863, when it was sold at auction to Agelink van Rentergem. Agelink demolished the castle, filled in the moat, excavated the gardens, and converted the land into farmland. Despite protests from locals, the demolition proceeded.

Early photos and depictions show the castle with a rectangular ground plan, a moat, and a rectangular bailey, which was also moated.
At present, nothing remains of Popkensburg Castle; the site is now occupied by a small community for the elderly.

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