The fortification was initially named Bellingwolderschans, meaning Sconce of Bellingwolde, in 1593. It was renamed Oudeschans, meaning Old Sconce, after the fortification of Nieuweschans, meaning New Sconce, was built in 1628.[2]
In 1593, during the Eighty Years' War, the fortification was built by William Louis, Count of Nassau-Dillenburg to strengthen the strategically important Bellingwolderzijl (Sluice of Bellingwolde) connecting the river Westerwoldsche Aa to the Dollart. The fortification was used for military purposes until 1814.
In the 1980s, some of the walls, canals, and bastions were restored.[2] In 1991, the fortification became a state protected village area (Dutch: beschermd dorpsgezicht).[3]
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Map of the fortification from the
Atlas Van Loon (1649)
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Aerial photograph, 1977
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Protected village area