Wittenheimer Burgplatz is located in Westerstede-Burgforde, Ammerland, and is a former castle complex first mentioned in 1439. The construction of the castle is dated to the year 1266. The castle was demolished at the end of the 18th century. Finds from excavations pointing to the 13th and 14th centuries
The castle was laid out by Count Johann von Oldenburg as a two-island complex with a castle square and a separate outer bailey. Similar border castles can be found in the region, also from the late 13th and mid-14th centuries.
1439 Documentary mention (Oldenburg document B. VII/327)
1515 Count Johann V. von Oldenburg built a stone mansion
1596 expansion with four half-timbered brick buildings and becomes the count's hunting lodge
1641 conversions and new buildings by Count Anton Günther into a stable with a riding arena
1623 to 1665 Vogtsitz of John Maxwell
1676 to 1677 residence of Anton Günther Maxwell
1677 to 1694 rapid change of ownership and increasing decay
In 1746, Alarich von Witken converted it into an aristocratic residence with parks and gardens after he received the castle as a hereditary Burgmannslehn. Renaming of the castle from "Burgforde" to "Witkens Heim" = "Wittenheim"
1773 Decay of the buildings after the von Witken family died out. Looting of the castle eventually led to a public riot and the sale of the remains. Today there are still parts of the castle in private ownership in Ammerland, e.g. B. a half-timbered brick barn, cupboards, chests, mirrors etc.
1890 planted as a park by forester Sievers