Nederland - Vorden, De Wildenborch

The Wildenborch is one of the eight castles in and around the village of Vorden in the Dutch province of Gelderland. It is located between Vorden and Lochem.

The castle was first mentioned in the year of 1372, when it was owned by the infamous Count Sweder Rodebaert van Wisch, a knight who loved robbing and looting. The Wildenborch (“castle in a wild swamp region”) was surrounded by swamps and was an ideal hideout after raids in the surrounding areas. Originally 'De Wildenborch' was surrounded by two moats, which nowadays still can be seen.

By the 18th century the castle had fallen into disrepair and it was sold in that state to Damiaan Hugo Staring in 1781.
His son, Anthony Christiaan Winand Staring (1767-1840) was another famous resident of the castle. He filled and planted most of the surrounding marshland with deciduous trees. The Staring family still provides opportunities for historical and literary research.

The estate is accessible, but the house - still inhabited by descendants of Staring - is closed to the public (except during the annual Staring Nights).
The gardens of ‘De Wildenborch’ are open for public a couple of times a year.