The Moeselschans was a seventeenth-century farmers’ sconce in the Moeselpeel. Such a sconce was also known as a refuge sconce. In times of war and danger, the farming population could take shelter here from intruders.
The sconce was built during the Eighty Years’ War, a period in which roaming troops caused great unrest in the Weerterland region. Its location was strategically chosen: in the middle of a marsh that was difficult to access, with only one narrow entrance path. What was an obstacle to intruders offered protection to the local population. Inside the sconce, a small, organised community developed. Rules applied, guards kept watch and supervision was in place. The sconce regulations have been preserved and offer a remarkable insight into the way residents organised their safety.
There were several sconces of this kind in and around Weert. Nowhere in the Netherlands were there as many in this period as in the Weerterland: no fewer than thirteen. Of these, the Moeselschans remained one of the most hidden examples. When the threat disappeared, the sconce lost its function. Later, a small school was built on this site for the surrounding area, as also happened at other sconces in Weert. Eventually, people withdrew and the marsh reclaimed the area.
Today, the Moeselpeel is part of Natura 2000. It is a protected nature reserve where rare birds, amphibians and plant species live. The Moeselschans recalls a period of unrest, but also the way in which residents tried to protect themselves together.