Hagestein castle grounds

Until the early 15th century, it was not the lords of Vianen who were the main rulers in the Vijfheerenlanden, but the lords Van Arkel. This family owned several, strategically located castles in the region that together formed a strong line of defence. Hagestein Castle in Gasperden (present-day Hagestein) formed the centre of gravity of this line, together with Everstein Castle. The castle was probably built in the 13th century. In the mid-14th century, the castle and manor of Hagestein came into the hands of Jan IV of Arkel. His successor Jan V of Arkel presumably had a new castle built in the north-west of the town.

The strong Arkel stronghold and the ever-growing territory of the lords of Vianen provided a constant source of conflict. Both lords lived in great enmity with each other. The Bishop of Utrecht also preferred to get rid of the Lords of Arkel. Between 1401 and 1412, the power struggle reached its climax in the Arkel Wars. Twice, Gasperden was besieged. The first siege was broken, but in 1405 a second siege was successful. Famine and a severe frost forced the defenders to their knees. Both the castle and the town were completely destroyed. Only the church was spared.