Fort Wierickerschans

Fort Wierickerschans was built in 1673 and was part of the Old Dutch Waterline until 1960. The Main Gate was built in 1673 and reconstructed in 1783.

The fort served as a powder magazine from 1747. The gunpowder house was built in the period 1747-1748. In the years 1820-1830, 2 pavilions were built on the north side. In the period from 1870 to 1915, the fort mainly served as a central depot. During the First World War the fort was used as an internment camp for foreign officers. Three ammunition bunkers were built in 1937 and 1938 and from 1939 ammunition and weapons were stored in the fort. During the Second World War, the fort was used as an arsenal by part of the Kriegsmarine.

The Kruithuis, or also called powder warehouse, was built in 1747. Typical of a powder store are the exceptionally strong walls and a light roof. With this Powder House the transition from defense work to the National Powder Magazine began.

The Left and Right Arsenals were built in 1786 for the storage of military resources. In 1830, both buildings were adapted to be used for powder storage.

The Kuiphuis (building O) was built in 1830. In this building the powder was packed in barrels.

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Source

• Text: Peter Schipper
• Photos: Peter Schipper