De Schans

Even before the days of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), Texel's roadstead was an important access and exit route for the ships from towns on the Zuiderzee. To protect this route, William of Orange took the initiative to construct the fort De Schans.
Google maps: De Schans

Napoleon

De Schans was built around 1574. Fleet admiral Tromp regularly held councils of war in De Schans. Executions were performed on the spot. In 1811, Napoleon paid a visit to De Schans, upon which he had the fort enlarged and reinforced with two adjoining forts.

Dyke improvement

The fort Lunette, bordering on Oudeschild was situated around 700 metres east of De Schans and the fort Redoute lies around 400 metres west of De Schans. The Lunette and the Redoute consisted of single earth walls and served as cover for De Schans during possible attacks. Around 1930, the Lunette, the Redoute and a part of De Schans were levelled to use the soil for dyke improvement.

Tours

The fort De Schans is owned by Vereniging Natuurmonumenten (the Dutch Association for Nature Reserve) and was restored in phases. It is free accessible. For tours on De Schans, please contact the Maritime and Beachcombers Museum.