Construction
A living monument
A historic castle with roots in the 12th century
This building history is still visible and is displayed within the castle using scale models showing the different phases of its development.
A history of the castle building
Huis Bergh Castle is believed to have originated around 1100 through the efforts of Constantinus. He was also known as de Monte, Latin for “of the mountain” (van den Bergh in Dutch). An artificial hill, a motte, was raised on an island in the marsh. A round tuff stone tower was built upon it. Remains of this earliest construction phase are still visible in a wall of the main hall. Later generations expanded the castle further, first with a brick defensive wall around the tuff stone tower.
Later, the round tower was replaced by a square residential tower, built on the site of the old entrance to the main castle. That original passage can still be recognized in the wall of this tower. The work on these modifications likely took decades.
In the outer bailey work was carried out to make the lives of the noble lords and ladies more comfortable. A brewery, stables, a forge, and a grain storage facility were could be found here. To protect these buildings, the outer bailey was also equipped with sturdy defensive walls featuring battlements and three towers.
Eighty Years' War
Members of the Van den Bergh family played an important role during the Eighty Years' War. For example, Count Willem IV van den Bergh led a campaign along the IJssel in 1572. As a result, Huis Bergh Castle found itself on the frontline and sustained severe damage.
The restoration of the castle began around 1600. During this period, Huis Bergh largely acquired the appearance that is still recognizable today. The main building was raised by one storey and extended on the northeast side, altering the original regular decagonal shape.
The outer bailey was also further developed. The Coach House and the Steward's House were built here, currently in use as the Castle Café and the foundation's office. Between 1680 and 1700, the castle was embellished with frames for the entrance to the main castle and the entrance to the great hall.
Fire
In 1735, the main castle burned down completely. Restoration began immediately afterwards. The castle received a new roof and the old windows were replaced with sash windows, allowing more light into the building.
After the fire, the castle was no longer permanently inhabited. In the years that followed, Huis Bergh served various functions. For example, a seminary used the castle between 1799 and 1842.
Restoration
Huis Bergh Castle was saved from ruin by Jan Herman van Heek. In 1912, he bought the castle from the Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. At the time, the building was in poor condition and was slowly restored. Unfortunately, disaster struck, and Van Heek had to restore the castle once again.
Do not be discouraged, will strive to recover
In 1939, another fire broke out, causing the main castle to burn down completely. The Van Heek family was staying in Switzerland at the time. Residents of 's-Heerenberg came to the rescue and managed to save a large part of the art collection.
Van Heek immediately began restoring the castle again. He had the windows replaced with historic mullioned windows, and part of the old ring wall was also rebuilt. In 1946, he transferred the castle, the collection, and the estate to the Huis Bergh Foundation.