Nestled in the picturesque town of Boxtel in the Dutch province of North Brabant, Stapelen Castle, known locally as Kasteel Stapelen, is a captivating blend of history, architecture, and serene natural beauty. This enchanting castle, surrounded by a tranquil moat and lush greenery, has a storied past that dates back to the 13th century and has evolved through the centuries, adapting to the needs and tastes of its various inhabitants.
The origin of the name Stapelen remains shrouded in mystery. Various etymological dictionaries suggest different meanings for the word stapel, including foundation, storage place, column, or church tower. The earliest recorded name was Stapelo in 1134, indicating its ancient roots. Despite the passage of time, a definitive explanation for the name eludes historians, adding an air of intrigue to this historical gem.
Stapelen Castle's history begins in the 13th century when it was constructed by a member of the Van Randerode family. The first documented mention of the castle dates back to 1293. Initially, the lordship of Boxtel, where the castle is located, was a fiefdom of the County of Loon. In the early 13th century, the castle came into the possession of Willem I van Boxtel (Van Randerode), who was knighted by the Duke of Brabant. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times, passing through the Van Merheim and Van Ranst families.
In the 16th century, the castle became the property of the Van Horne family, remaining under their ownership until 1763. During this period, in 1645, it was described by Filips van Leefdael as a large old castle with wide beautiful moats. The castle even hosted the French King Louis XIV for a few days in 1672. After 1763, the lordship passed to the Van Salm-Kyrburg family. However, Frederik III van Salm-Kyrburg met a tragic end during the French Revolution, being executed by guillotine in Paris in 1794. The castle was confiscated and sold in 1815, eventually being purchased by Hendrik Mahie, a council member from 's-Hertogenbosch.
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Hendrik Mahie undertook significant renovations, transforming Stapelen Castle into a neo-Gothic masterpiece that reflected the 19th-century ideal of castle architecture. Although some criticized the renovations for adopting an English style that diverged from traditional Dutch castle aesthetics, the result was a striking and romanticized vision of a medieval fortress.
The southern part of the castle complex retains many of its original elements. The knight's hall, with its 14th-century roof and barrel vault, stands as a testament to the castle's medieval origins. The stone walls of this wing date back to the 16th century. The octagonal tower on the east side, along with the two towers on the west side of the main building and the chapel on the south side, all hail from the medieval period. The chapel houses an altarpiece from around 1600, bearing the coat of arms of the Van Horne family.
In contrast, the northern side of the castle underwent extensive renovations in the 19th century. Archaeological excavations during the 1968 restoration revealed the foundations of earlier stables, indicating that the courtyard was once significantly smaller. The south wing was found to be built on a sandbank, while the north side was constructed on elevated ground. This suggests that the south wing may have originally stood directly beside the Dommel River.
Like any good castle, Stapelen has its own legend. Shortly before the year 1400, a priest named Eligius spilled consecrated white wine on the altar cloth during Mass. The wine left a red stain that could not be washed out. Eligius kept this incident a secret until his deathbed, when he confessed it to the then-lord of the castle, Willem van Merheim. The clergy granted permission to display the stained cloth to the public, leading to the annual Holy Blood Procession in Boxtel, held on the first Sunday after Pentecost.
Today, Stapelen Castle is not open to the public, but visitors can still admire its exterior from the surrounding park, which is freely accessible. The castle's serene setting, with its reflective moat and lush gardens, offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of history and nature.
In conclusion, Stapelen Castle is not just a historical monument; it is a symbol of the rich tapestry of Dutch history, blending medieval origins with neo-Gothic charm. Its walls whisper tales of knights, kings, and clerics, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the enchanting region of North Brabant.
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