This is a unique fireback. It was cast to commemorate the wedding of Willem IV van den Bergh and Maria of Nassau-Dillenburg, a sister of William of Orange. The fireback shows the coat of arms of both families. It is still used quite frequently. But…. we have to admit: it is a copy. The real one dates from 1562 and can be seen in the castle keep. Count Willem van den Bergh and Countess Maria were blessed with as many as 16 children: 8 sons and 8 daughters. The portraits of some of these children can be seen in the castle. Count Willem was educated at the imperial court in Brussels. From a number of letters in the archives signed by Willem of Orange, we can deduce that there was quite a lot of contact between our Count Willem and the young William of Orange. During the Eighty Years War, when the Low Countries were at war against Spain, the brothers-in-law found themselves as opponents of the battlefields, when our count Willem and his sons chose to side with the Spanish. Count WIllem died soon after this at Ulft Castle. His wife was not to return to Huis Bergh thereafter.

For more information on the ‘treason’ of Willem IV van den Bergh, press A For more information on the life of Maria of Nassau, press B

AB