Kasteel Heeswijk
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Castle Heeswijk is a former water citadel at Heeswijk from the 11th century. The castle had been restored in 2005. Already in the year 1080 a so-called motte-burcht arose. In the course of the Middle Ages the motte (castle hillock) were blunted and on the place of the citadel a castle was built.
Castle Heeswijk has several times played a role in the history of The Netherlands. Around the year 1600 Prince Maurits failed twice to take the castle. However, his half-brother Frederik Hendrik eventually succeeded in 1629, so that he could besiege 's Hertogenbosch. In 1672 the sun king Louis XIV was the uninvited guest on Castle Heeswijk during his fight against the Dutch Republic. At the end of the 18th century General Pichegru, a general under the guidance of Napoleon still used the castle as a headquarter.
In 1835, André baron of pine Bogaerde of Terbrugge bought the castle that had fallen in disrepair and immediately started a massive reconstruction. Moreover, the castle was extended with among other things the weapon room and the Iron tower to store its growing collection of art objects and curiosa, of the baron and hist sons, the noblemen Louis and Donat.
[edit] Current Use
The current castle museum gives a picture of the life and traditions from the middle of the 19th century. After the recent restorations guided tours of the castle are possible. The weapon room of the castle does service as a popular wedding location of the municipality Bernheze. Under the promenade cellar roofs (wedding) parties and receptions are given and the carriage house of the castle accommodates training facilities as well as congress- and presentation rooms.
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