Its name stems from the medieval Bredene Dunc, which translates as "wide mound" or "a dry spot in the marshes."

Both were destroyed by the Belgian army at the start of World War I because they obstructed the gunner's view from the local fortifications.

It was judged that Antwerp, being continental Europe's second-most important port, needed two circles of fortifications for its defence.

During World War II, the fort was briefly used as the General Headquarters of King Leopold III, leading the Belgian armed forces.

Among those to be incarcerated (about 3500 in total; 1733 didn't survive the war) were the linguist Herman Liebaers, fencer Jacques Ochs, Communist Party of Belgium politician Bert Van Hoorick, and anti-Nazi fascist Paul Hoornaert.