![]() ![]() – Rack: This device was used to stretch a prisoner’s body until they broke their bones. The torture devices used in medieval castle dungeons were often barbaric and cruel. The dark secrets of medieval castle dungeons are a chilling reminder of the cruel justice that was often meted out in those times. – Shelves and hooks for storing tools and supplies This room was often located next to the torture chamber so that the prisoner could see their impending fate before they died.Īpart from the torture chamber and execution chamber, other features found in a medieval castle dungeon include: Some medieval castles also had an execution chamber, where prisoners were put to death. The most common feature of a medieval castle dungeon was the torture chamber, where prisoners were tortured using various methods such as whipping, burning, or mutilation. Some dungeons were large enough to hold several prisoners, while others were small and cramped. The layout of a medieval castle dungeon depended on the size of the castle. Prisoners were usually kept in chains or locked in cages, and they were often subjected to torture. The dungeons were often dark, damp, and dirty, and were not meant to be comfortable places. The purpose of a medieval castle dungeon was to detain prisoners. ![]() In this article, we will take a closer look at medieval castle dungeons and the dark secrets they hold! Purpose of Medieval Castle Dungeon These dungeons were often located deep underground and were filled with rats, spiders, and other creepy creatures. They also had dark, secret dungeons where prisoners were held captive and tortured. ![]() And here's a direct link to the website of castle Muiderslot.Castles were not just beautiful structures that served as the homes of kings and queens. There are a few video clips featuring the castle on the countryside video-page. More history and present in pictures : castle images. See River Vecht to appreciate fully the strategic importance of the castle. For a view of the old sea dike and a magnificent vista of the wide open polders. Even in those days the castle had to be largely self supporting, so gardens were important.Īlso walk on the earth ramparts that surround the castle. There's a vegetable and a herbal garden, set up the way they were in the early 1600s. When you visit the castle, don't forget the gardens. Very much to the benefit of an upcoming and very ambitious little town : Amsterdam. But this was enough to close off the river and to ruin Utrecht. A short stretch only, because even today the border with Utrecht is only 6 km to the south. By then this northern part of the river was firmly in the hands of Holland. Anyway, some 100 years later, the castle was rebuilt or repaired, and that's basically the one we see today. It is a fact that stones and bricks were extremely valuable in those days, and were often recycled many times. Using the occasion, the bishop of Utrecht took over again, and the story goes that he destroyed the place and took the stones with him to build a new castle, halfway the river towards Utrecht. Seeing no way out, they killed the count. The noblemen tried to get away with their hostage, but they were attacked not far from the castle. During a falcon hunting party in 1296, van Velsen and a few others captured the count, and jailed him in his own brand new castle, here in Muiden.Īs Holland had been granting privileges to the small towns in the region, making itself popular, armed citizens came to the rescue of their count. As always in war with each other, and fearing that Holland would switch sides. Involving the bishop, but also the kings of France and England. While on the background there were national and international political intrigues around count Floris. Possibly his wife had been raped by the count, another good reason. It is certain he had a conflict of power with count Floris. One of them, Gerard van Velsen, would later be immortalised in stories and ballads for what was to follow. Luckily for Utrecht there were discontented nobleman in Holland. ![]() The ruling bishop of Utrecht wanted to roll back Holland, of course, but at the time his military possibilities were limited. Thus controlling the river Vecht, that was of vital importance for trade to the city of Utrecht, about 40 km upstream. When during the long wars between Holland and Utrecht, count Floris V of Holland conquered this stretch of the river around 1280, he built or enlarged the castle immediately. Some sort of stronghold must have been here since the early Middle Ages. ![]()
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