Fort Bakkerskil and the Papsluis
From defense line to bed & breakfast: the history of Fort Bakkerskil
Work on the Bakkerskil
After Papsluis was built in 1815, it was clear that it had to be guarded and defended. But before that defense was actually there, there were mostly many plans that were never carried out. There were plans for an artillery battery in 1816, a casemated dike post in 1825 and a fort in 1832. A field battery on the Bakkerskil was finally built in 1846, but the current Fort Bakkerskil dates only to 1879.
Fort Bakkerskil, or the Werk aan de Bakkerskil, is a small fort. It consists of only one two-story building. It soon proved too small, therefore, as early as 1880 a wooden shed was added for artillery storage.
Fort Bakkerskil during the World Wars
World War I
Although mobilized, the Netherlands remained neutral during the First World War. Fort Bakkerskil was manned, but there was no fighting. The soldiers did help the Werkendam fire department when a large fire broke out at two farms on the night of September 26-27, 1914. They helped put out the fire and prevented other houses from being destroyed by the fire as well. The only shot fired in those years was a shotgun blast during an argument between soldiers.
World War II
Fort Bakkerskil experienced the most activity in 1940 compared to the other waterline forts in Brabant. The region stayed out of the fighting, but the land was inundated by the opening of the Papsluis sluice.
During the war, the fort was occupied for a time by Germans. Upon their retreat in 1945, they rendered the fort unusable. The windows and doors were bricked up, the earthen walls disabled.
After World War II
After World War II, Fort Bakkerskil served as an internment camp for NSB members and other Dutchmen who were considered "wrong" because of their actions during the war. This was a black page in the fort's history. Women were cut bald, "heulers" were handcuffed and beaten, and prisoner viewing became a popular Sunday afternoon outing. In addition, the food was poor, and goods intended for prisoners such as clothing often did not reach them. On Sept. 28, 1946, the function as a camp was abolished and these practices came to an end.
Military fulcrum, fortification of no class
From 1947, Fort Bakkerskil had a function as a military support center. It served as an ammunition storage and training ground for the Corps of Engineers. Even when the New Dutch Waterline was disbanded in 1951, the "fortification of no class" remained military terrain. There were guard dogs running and it was clear that ordinary civilians were not welcome there. In the 1980s, the building was modernized and used as a training center for agents of Intelligence and Operations, a secret stay-behind organization.
The lock
Near the North Brabant town of Werkendam, you will find the southernmost inundation sluice of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie, the 1815 Papsluis.
A waterline is a defense system that uses water. To protect an area, a strip of land several kilometers wide is flooded: inundated. This can be done by simply breaching dikes, but the depth of the water is better controlled with inundation sluices. That depth listens closely: knee-deep - about 50-60 cm - is ideal. That is too deep to wade through safely and effectively with horses or heavy artillery, but too shallow to sail through.
The Papsluis is such an inundation sluice. A special one too, it is a fan lock. A fan lock can be opened both with the current and against the current. The Papsluis controlled the inundation of the Uppel Polder. It was therefore a strategically important location in the Water Line.
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Hiking
Walk the Fort Bakkerskil round trip. This route leads you along the Oostwaardpad from Fort Bakkerskil, past fields and the small river Bakkerskil. Visit the historic Papsluis lock and finish with something tasty on the fort's terrace. A varied route on the edge of the Biesbosch.
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Bikes
Cycle right through history and nature with the Biesboschlinie Fortentocht. Discover the imposing forts, old fortified towns and locks of the New Dutch Waterline. Along the way, enjoy stories, vistas and a unique piece of defensive art in the green landscape.
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Sailing
This canoe route is ideal for beginners: a relaxing trip without getting lost. Start at Fort Bakkerskil and paddle between reeds, islands and through a green jungle ditch to a hidden shanty hut. Enjoy a trip full of nature, silence and fairytale-like places.
Experience Fort Bakkerskil
The fort has been owned by Brabants Landschap since 2007 and has served as a Special Heritage Lodge since 2012 . Bed & Breakfast Fort Bakkerskil provides visitors to the Biesboschlinie with a fresh and comfortable bed in one of the fort's historic rooms, such as the old kitchen, officers' quarters, infirmary or powder room.
In the summer months you can also visit the terrace for lunch, ice cream or drinks. The terrace is open from April to September on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm & on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. Check the socials for the other months.
Practical information
For reservations, please refer to the Fort Bakkerskil website.
Address: Kildijk 143, Nieuwendijk
06 45 93 48 92
info@fortbakkerskil.nl