The Batestein Castle was built in the mid 14th century by the Lord of Vianen, Gijsbrecht van Beusichem. The addition of the large square keep a few years later was funded by the ransom of the French Count de Saint-Pol, who had been held hostage in the castle. In 1696, a large part of the castle was destroyed by a fire. The castle was never rebuilt, and the remains were sold to the States of Holland and West-Friesland.