Schloss Moyland, Bedburg-Hau, Germany

I always tend to read Bedburg (there are a few with the same name) as 'Bedbug', and the idea of Bedburg as a kind of Bedbug Town.  Bedburg literally means 'Bed Town', but how that name was chosen is not on my To Research list right now.  Maybe because only a town had good inns?

Anyway, Moyland Castle started appearing in medieval records early in the 14th century.  The area is actually a part of Cleves, or Kleves, right up to today.  At one point, it was purchased by a Dutchman, Alexander van Spaen, who had amassed his wealth by doing business with the VOC, or Dutch East India Company.  He was also on very friendly terms with the Great Elector Friedrich Wilhelm van Brandenburg (sounds really sassy, yea) and it was in this capacity that he established a good connection between the Germans and the House of Orange.  Later on, his son had to sell the property, but it ended up again in Dutch hands in 1766, when Adriaan Baron Steengracht, another wealthy influential figure who had lent money to Friedrich II, bought it.  After WW2, however, it was for the most part in ruins and was rescued and restored by the architects van der Grinten, together with descendants of Baron Steengracht.  It's now used as a museum.

So many schlosses, so little time ... but I don't intend to visit all of them, fortunately.  As you can see, excellent weather again, and I was right not to use my time to work overtime.  As for AW, another relaxing time at home.  He did want to go out with the bike but the skies were not so clear in Breda, so that didn't push through.

THANKS a lot for visiting once in a while!  I really appreciate it.