The 'Oude Slot' (old bailey) is built as a fortress for the defence of the Spaarne, where it joins the once very big Haarlemmermeer. That the city of Haarlem needed this protection was made clear in the 'Loonse' war, a conflict in which the city played a major role. In that time however (around 1100), the construction was not built yet. The origins date from about two hundred years later.
The first known inhabitant was Reinier van Heemstede in 1304. Ninety years later the building was thoroughly destroyed by the Haarlemmers in the Hoekse en Kabeljauwse Twisten for taking the wrong side in the struggle.
In the Seventeenth century Lord Adriaen Pauw of Heemstede almost totally rebuilt the building, and made it into a fashionable living quarters for nobility. He also built the 'Vredesbrug', in commemorance of the Peace of Westphalia of 1648.
It's present state is less glorious: only the commemorative bridge, and a stable-house is left. The bailey itself was demolished in 1809. At the same spot where once Adriaen Pauw's creation stood, is now a peat-bog. The bridge just ends in a jungle of reet.
Heemstede, Ir. Lelylaan 6
