Origin
It is thought that the castle was built in the 13th century. At that time, Jan Dankertszoon van Overbordene had possessions in the Oudelandpolder. His son Gheront bought these in 1311 from Count William III of Holland and Zeeland. The oldest name of this area was Overbordene, which means the other side of the Borden. The Borden is the oldest known name of the Pluimpot, a small river that split the island of Tholen in two.
In the Middle Ages, things could also get quite violent in this area. Many noblemen were perpetually at odds each other. The Van Overbordenes and the Van Borsseles and their entourages were forever fighting one another, for example. More than ten years later, the castle is owned by the Van Borsseles.
Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut
Floris van Borssele had the castle enlarged in the middle of the 14th century, adding the Nederhof, which is also completely surrounded by water. The castle also underwent changes after this. At the end of that century, a heavy square dungeon was built on the foundations of two round towers of the Upper Court.
Sint-Maartensdijk flourished during the life of Frank II van Borssele (c.1396-1470), one of the stadtholders of Holland. He conducted a grand court. His ‘secret’ marriage in 1432 in Sint-Maartensdijk to the Dutch Countess Jacqueline (her fourth marriage) increased his prestige and possessions.