Kasteel Bokhoven, Medieval castle in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
Kasteel Bokhoven is a medieval castle in 's-Hertogenbosch with a main keep, thick stone walls, and a central courtyard. The structure was surrounded by moats and featured watchtowers plus defensive structures that gave it the appearance of a fortress.
The castle was founded in 1365 by Jan Oem van Arkel as a stronghold in the border region between Holland, Brabant, and Guelders. It played an important role in the power dynamics of this contested area under the rule of the Prince-Bishopric of Liège.
The castle served as a residence for a wealthy family whose tables were set with imported tin and silver items. These discoveries show how the occupants acquired and valued luxury goods from distant lands.
The site is now a ruin and requires proper caution when exploring the remaining walls and structures. Visitors should expect uneven ground and some areas that may be unstable or restricted.
The castle is remarkable because it had bathrooms in each main room, which was extremely rare for the medieval period. This feature shows that its residents managed to combine advanced hygiene and comfort well before such conveniences became common.
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