fort De Bilt
Description
next 8 September, the Utrecht Region will visit Fort De Bilt. During this visit, we will discuss the historical value of this fort and you will also get a guided tour of the fort.
All this will be concluded with drinks in the midland congress centre
In 1816-1879, this defensive structure was built to close off the street road between Utrecht and De Bilt.
Fort de Bilt was built in the middle of the
Biltsestraatweg in 1819-1821 and
is the first fort from the belt around the city
Utrecht. The fort originally consisted of earthen ramparts with four bastions. On the city side, where the Berekuil traffic square is now located, the fort had an earthen reduit (last refuge for the fort's defenders). This reduit actually functioned as a fort within the fort. The planting served to camouflage the fort, provide protection against enemy attacks and as a fuel supply.
When there was a threat of war, the planting was largely pruned to provide a clear field of fire. Along the bank there was mainly alder coppice used as firewood and for fencing.
The hawthorn hedge in front of the ramparts functioned as natural barbed wire. Large
oaks and chestnuts, more central to the fort, were supposed to give the enemy the idea
of dealing with a natural landscape from a distance
17:00 Reception at Midland congress centre
17:30 Tour guide will escort us to the fort where the excursion will then begin.
ca 20:00 after-dinner drinks at Midland congress centre
Location
Organiser
Utrecht region
Name and contact details for information
Roel Troost