Deventer bird island in autumn colours with reflection in the water.

by Bart Ros

Deventer bird island in autumn colours with reflection in the water.

The Hanseatic city of Deventer, once one of the most prosperous cities in the Netherlands and, yes, the capital of Overijssel, was besieged several times from 1578 onwards. Moreover, it was a popular place for the Spaniards, who liked to have it in their hands.

In 1591 Deventer was conquered by Prince Maurice, the son of William of Orange. He made sure that it would never fall into Spanish hands again due to the construction of defences. The town was surrounded by a large, completely new fortress belt, which was completed in 1634. The first part of the fortress, to which the Vogeleiland belongs, was built between 1596-1621. So the island is already 400 years old.

Park
In 1874, the fortification law was abolished and the defence walls were converted into the Rijsterborgherpark. The famous architect Leonard Springer drew a design based on the English landscape style. In 1888 this was constructed. The outer moat has been preserved, as well as one of the defensive islands. A rocky garden was built on this island and at the beginning of 1900 a large dovecote and several aviaries were built. The Birds' Island owes its name to the animals that were housed on the island. Peacocks, flamingos and various other birds came, but also raccoons and monkeys.