Nederland - Deurne, Groot Kasteel

Deurne Castle, locally known as 'Groot Kasteel' or 'Nieuw Kasteel' (Great Castle or New Castle) was most probably built around 1397 by Gevard van Doerne. The castle was originally a square building with several turrets. Due to the thickness of the walls it is not likely that the building had a real military purpose. It is located in the swampy valley of a stream called the Vlier. It is more or less surrounded by the remains of a moat.

In the 16th century the building was burned down and decades later plundered by Spanish troops. Mid 17th century the castle was enlarged. In 1759 the castle was bought by Theodorus de Smeth. His family also thoroughly rebuilt the castle and would own it until WW2.

During the liberation of Deurne in 1944 the castle suffered heavily from allied fire and there were only remains left.

Nowadays the ruin - which was consolidated in 2002 - of ‘Groot Kasteel Deurne’ is used by a youth association.