The Netherlands-Medemblik
View on Radboud Castle. The name suggests that it was founded by the ancient Frisian King Radboud (8th c.), whose name was related to the castle in a legend. Indeed, there are historical facts showing us possibilities of the presence of an older ancient fortress before the castle was built. But historical evidence of any connection to King Radboud is not known.
In the 13th century, Floris V, Count of Holland, gave high priority to the strategial importance of Medemblik during his struggle against the revolting West Frisians. After his final conquest he founded five castles to consolidate his victory and to control West Frisia; all these castles were built between 1282 and 1289. Medemblik Castle was finished in 1287. After the assassination of Floris in 1296, several castellans in the history of the castle succeeded in keeping aggressors outside the gate. Amongst these attackers the well known King of Frisia "Grote Pier" and his gang, the 'Zwarte Hoop', a savage group of 4000 soldiers from Frisia and Gelre. Finally, Radboud Castle had ceased to exist as a defending fortress. The States of Holland decided to transfer the castle to be a property of the Medemblik local government in 1608. At last, the castle fell in decay. The divine services were stopped in 1734 and at the end of the 19th century Radboud Castle was a ruin. While most towers were removed, only two square towers were left. After restoration (1890-1934-1964), Radboud Castle has a cultural and educational function nowadays, and is used as a museum-castle with expositions.
Image made with kite and camera (attached to the kite's line). © Tom Kisjes
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