Table of Contents| Quick Index: | Prehistoric | Roman | Romanesque | Gothic | 15th century | 16th century |17th century | 18th century | 19th century | 20th century | American Architecture | Architecture links | Fine Arts department home page
See also: | Steen, Antwerp | Gravensteen, Ghent. Photos and text by J. Howe
Castles: Beersel, near Brussels, 14th c.
|
|
|
Just outside Brussels, the castle at Beersel is an empty shell, but no less evocative of the violent era of its origins. It is surrounded by a moat, with a triangular shape and large defensive towers at each corner. The origins of the castle date to the twelfth century, although most of it was built in the fourteenth century. In 1300 the castle became the property of Godefroid de Hellebeek, and was inherited by his daughter, the wife of Henri de Stalle. The castle later passed by marriage successively to the Witthem, d'Arenberg, and Merode families. The castle was badly damaged in 1489 during the conflict between Maximilian and the towns. The Witthem family, then owners of the castle, supported Maximilian. After 1544, the castle was no longer occupied, though it remained almost intact until the end of the 18th century. After 1818, it was used as a cotton factory. Several proposals were made to restore the castle, including one by Viollet-le-Duc. Although the building was constructed of brick, Viollet-le-Duc proposed rebuilding it in stone. This, fortunately, was not carried out, and the complex was donated to the League of the Friends of the castle of Beersel in 1928 by the Countess Guillaume de Henricourt de Grunne, née Merode. It was restored in a more limited manner after that date. In 1949 the Royal Association of Historic Residences in Belgium assumed care for the castle.
Vorselaer, near Antwerp
|
|
The castle De Borrekens at Vorselaar (near Herenthals) is a splendid example of a medieval castle from the thirteenth century which was rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style in the nineteenth century, between 1866-1884. In the thirteenth century, it belonged to the Van Rotselaar family, who were stewards of the Dukes of Brabant. Surrounded by a moat, and guarded by fortified towers at the entrance, it is powerfully evocative of the late middle ages. The castle is still privately owned.
Veves, near Dinant, 15th-16th centuries.
|
|
The castle of Veves near Dinant was the home of the Lords of Beaufort. It possesses a dramatic site above its village. The castle is much restored, including the towers. The interior features a handsome half-timbered courtyard from the seventeenth century.
|
|
|
|
Boston College
Jeffery Howe, 1997
