MIDDELBURG

Middelburg originated around the middle of the 9th century as a ring rampart castle. This castle was located between Dune Castle (Domburg) and South Castle (Souburg) and was therefore the middle castle on Walcheren.
A ring rampart castle is an early medieval defensive structure consisting of 2 to 4 meters high earthen walls with a diameter of 100-300 meters. When the coastal area was ravaged by Viking attacks in the 9th century, ring ramparts (refuge castles) were erected. People could flee to the burg in case of an emergency. The early medieval ring ramparts in Zeeland have disappeared, but live on in the names of the places where they were or are: Oostburg, Middelburg, Souburg, Domburg and Burgh(-Haamstede).
The round shape of the ring rampart castle remains recognizable in the city plan of Middelburg in later times, the highest point of the city is in the middle of the former castle grounds.

In the photo: Map of medieval Middelburg

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