The fort of Walem is part of the old fortifications around Antwerp that was built from 1859 until 1914. Because the first line around the city was not enough to protect it, another four fortifications were built: Walem, Lier and later Schoten and Steendorp. The Walem fort was built in 1878.
The fortifications soon get unsafe, new bombs are much heavier and the brick fortification can’t protect enough anymore. All brick fortifications get an extra concrete shell on top of the bricks. In 1906 the upgrade of the buildings is done, newer fortifications will be built completely from concrete.