Not all who wander are lost. Join me for a walk through the gardens and woods around medieval Staverden, last refuge for the grief-stricken countess Leonora who died there from a broken heart in AD1353, after her husband Herman was murdered on his return from the crusades.
‘All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king.‘
J.R.R. Tolkien
Staverden was rebuilt several times since the first castle was erected around AD1300 by count Reinalt I of Gelre.Remnants of the original medieval castle are only found underground. This is the alleged burial site of Lady Leonor, according to tradition Eleonora of Barchem, who was also referred to as the black widow of Staverden. The grave is located on a little island in the Molenbeek.Staverden used to be a hunting castle for the dukes of Gelre. Noblemen who lived there and had been granted the loan of the grounds and castle, which also had city rights, originally had the duty to keep white peacocks, which feathers were used for the helmets of the duke’s army.Ancient meadows and walking tracks give plenty of opportunity for wandering.The beautifully restored gardens includes picturesques scenes like this one. Postmodern souls who wander and wish to be lost may visit the maze.
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