Bloemersheim Castle

The origins of Bloemersheim Castle date back to the late Middle Ages, with an estate called Blomertshof first documented in 1406 as a sub-fief of Haus Gastendonk. Until 1510, the property was owned by the Lords of Baldrich, who served as judges and bailiffs in the Duchy of Geldern, as part of the castle grounds belonged to this duchy. Around 1560, ownership changed through marriage to the Lords of Hoennepel, also known as von der Impel, remaining in their family for over 150 years. In 1667, the complex was transferred as a fief to Baron von Pelden, known as Cloudt, then the Drost of the County of Moers, after he married the heiress of the von der Impel family. Bloemersheim primarily served the von Pelden family as a hunting lodge. The exact period of construction of the original moated castle with its outer and main bailey is unknown. A border between the Duchy of Geldern and the County of Moers ran directly through the castle grounds and the main building's kitchen. Only in 1724, under Prussian rule, was this border shifted so that the entire area belonged to the Principality of Moers.