Huis Hengelo

Huis Hengelo, also known as Huys Hengelo, is a captivating historical estate nestled in the bucolic surroundings of Woolde, now part of the municipality of Hengelo in the Netherlands. This storied havezate (a type of fortified manor house) has been a silent witness to centuries of Dutch history, from medieval conflicts to modern industrialization, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

The Origins of Huis Hengelo

The roots of Huis Hengelo stretch back to the Hof Hengelo, a medieval estate that first emerged in historical records in 1266. Initially owned by the lords of Saterslo, it later passed into the hands of Egbert Hako van den Rutenberg around 1380. Egbert, also the proprietor of the Rutenberg Castle near Dalfsen, brought a new era of prominence to the estate.

The estate's fortunes shifted significantly in the late 15th century when Adriana van den Rutenberg married Johan II van Twickelo. This union brought Hof Hengelo under the control of the Van Twickelo family. Their son, Frederik van Twickelo, a knight, transformed the old spieker (a type of granary) into a castle in early Renaissance style, marking the beginning of Huis Hengelo as we know it today. Frederik's legacy continued even after his death in 1545, as he was interred in the chapel of Huis Hengelo, a testament to his deep connection to the estate.

A Turbulent Era

During the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648), Huis Hengelo found itself embroiled in the larger geopolitical struggles of the time, aligning with the Spanish side. In 1615, the estate was sold to Unico baron Ripperda, a significant figure who oversaw major renovations and expansions. However, a devastating fire in 1619 destroyed much of the wooden structure. The house was subsequently rebuilt, and a remarkable stone chimney piece from this period still survives, a silent witness to the estate's resilience.

The Ripperda family continued to influence the estate, with Willem Ripperda playing a notable role in the Westphalian peace negotiations, culminating in the Treaty of Münster in 1648. Sadly, the family's lineage at Huis Hengelo ended with the childless death of Unico Ripperda in 1678, leading to the inheritance of the heavily indebted estate by Borchard Amelis van Coeverden tot Stoevelaar, a nephew of Unico.

The Eighteenth Century and Beyond

In 1711, Huis Hengelo passed to Georg Borchard Unico van Keppel tot Odink, who primarily resided at his estate near Winterswijk. Upon his death in 1756, the estate was divided among his sisters' families, the De Mahony's of Hof te Boekelo and the Mulerts of Backenhagen. By 1792, Coenraad Willem van Mulert had consolidated ownership of the entire havezate, only to pass away in 1801.

Coenraad Willem's youngest son, Adolf August Frederik, inherited Huis Hengelo in 1821. Unfortunately, he decided to sell the estate for demolition, leading to the auctioning of its lands in 1830. The house site eventually fell into the hands of Adam ten Cate and later the Salomonson brothers, industrialists from Almelo. The estate's transformation continued when it was sold to the N.V. Hengelosche Electrische en Mechanische Apparaten Fabriek in 1915, who filled in the moats and repurposed the site for industrial use. In the 1990s, the factory was demolished, and archaeological excavations uncovered numerous building fragments, shedding light on the estate's storied past.

A Modern Revival

In a nod to its historical significance, the artist Jeroen Hoogstraten created the art installation Watereiland Huys Hengelo in 2011. This evocative piece, situated on the island where the estate once stood, features a natural stone relief that reveals the outlines of the former house as water levels rise and fall, symbolically bringing the past to life.

Today, Huis Hengelo stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Dutch history, from medieval origins to modern reinvention. Its story is one of resilience, transformation, and enduring legacy, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. As you explore the grounds and reflect on the centuries of history embedded in its soil, Huis Hengelo offers a unique window into the past, inviting you to discover the tales of knights, noble families, and the ever-changing landscape of Dutch heritage.