Early origin
As early as the 12th century, there are references to the Lords of Beersel and an initial military fortification. Traditionally, Godfried van Hellebeke, who was Lord of Beersel in the late 13th century, is regarded as the builder of the castle. The castle was strategically built on a 'motte', a natural or man-made hill surrounded by a moat and an earthen rampart.
Together with Gaasbeek Castle and others, Beersel formed a defensive belt around Brussels. These outposts served to protect the city against hostile invasions from the counties of Flanders and Hainaut. During that period, Beersel was therefore not a luxurious country residence, but a purely military fortress where mainly soldiers were stationed. In 1356-1357, the castle was heavily damaged by the troops of Lodewijk van Male. After this, the foundation was laid for the current moated castle.
War, destruction and reconstruction
Through marriage, the castle came into the possession of the influential de Witthem family in the third quarter of the 14th century. This family was consistently pro-Brabant, and later Burgundian, which had severe consequences during the conflict between Archduke Maximilian of Austria and several Flemish and Brabant cities at the end of the 15th century. The lord of the castle at the time, Hendrik III van Witthem, supported Maximilian. This was against the wishes of some rebellious Bruxellois, who, with the support of the French, besieged and captured the castle. To make matters worse, the building also fell victim to a devastating fire. The castle was rebuilt between 1491 and 1506.
From barracks to noble residence
From the 16th century onwards, the function of Beersel Castle changed. The fortress gradually lost its purely defensive function and became more inhabited. In 1591, the grandson of Philip of Witthem, himself the son of Henry III, died. Because he left no sons, the last male heir of the family disappeared with him. Through the female line, the fortress came into the hands of other well-known families, including the Van Arenberg family and the De Merode family.
Cotton factory and romantic ruin
From 1796, the fortress remained uninhabited for a time. In the early 19th century, the castle received a surprising new purpose; it was transformed into a cotton factory. The removal of one or more roofs led to severe damage to the fortress. Beersel Castle fell into ruin. Yet, the vacancy also had an enchanting side. During the height of the Romantic era, the melancholic ruin held enormous appeal for artists and writers. Even the famous French author Victor Hugo visited Beersel and wrote down his experience.
Restorations
After years of decay, the tide turned in 1927. The then owners donated the castle to the Friends of Beersel Castle. A restoration followed in the period 1928–1939 under the direction of Raymond Pelgrims de Bigard and Charles Mertens. In 1948, property was transferred to the Royal Society of Historic Residences and Gardens of Belgium.
For the general public, however, the moated castle is forever inextricably linked to Suske and Wiske. Illustrator Willy Vandersteen was a frequent visitor and immortalized the site in the comic album *De schat van Beersel*. In 2001, the municipality of Beersel leased the castle, after which several restorations followed. Today, it is Herita's turn to give this gem of medieval architecture a new, sustainable future.
More information: History | Herita
