Tucked away in the charming streets of Gouda, the Weeshuis stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and its commitment to social welfare through the centuries. This captivating building, dating back to the early 17th century, invites visitors to step back in time and explore a piece of Dutch heritage that has withstood the test of time.
The story of the Weeshuis begins in 1586 when a chamber of almoners was established in Gouda to oversee the care of the city’s poor. By 1599, the Almoners’ Orphanage was in operation, providing shelter for orphans who could not be accommodated in the existing Holy Spirit House Orphanage. This distinction was primarily based on the status of their parents as citizens of Gouda. As the need for orphan care grew in the early 1600s, the almoners purchased several houses on Spieringstraat. In 1642, these houses were replaced by the grand structure we see today.
Above the entrance gate, an inscription proudly declares the efforts of Gouda’s magistrates and regents to establish this noble building for the care of both local and foreign children. Adjacent to the Weeshuis, the Jerusalem Chapel, built around 1500, served as a meeting space for the almoners after it came under city ownership in 1572.
In 1812, the two orphanages in Gouda merged, likely due to the fading distinction between citizen and non-citizen children and the impact of military conscription during the Napoleonic Wars. This united orphanage continued its operations until World War II. In 1939, it became a refuge for forty Jewish children fleeing Germany. During the war, local schools utilized the building’s classrooms, and by 1948, the orphanage officially closed. The remaining funds were redirected to support youth and playground activities in Gouda.
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The Weeshuis complex is a stunning example of Dutch architecture, with its buildings arranged in a square around a central courtyard. The main facade on Spieringstraat features a Mannerist gable, while the entrance gate to the courtyard is adorned with Ionic pilasters and a classicist design. Above the gate, two orphan children are depicted holding the coat of arms of Gouda, with the year 1643 and a winged cherub in the pediment above.
Opposite the entrance, the rear wing of the courtyard boasts a Neo-Renaissance style, added in 1875 by municipal architect L. Burgerdijk. This expansion required the demolition of part of the existing buildings and was constructed by local contractor H.J. Nederhorst.
Inside the Weeshuis, the Regent’s Room remains a highlight. This high-ceilinged space retains its original layout and features a grand fireplace with carvings of two orphan children. An impressive painting of the regents by Jan Verzijl from 1644 adorns the room, along with intricately carved consoles bearing the names of the regents under the beams.
In 1973, the Weeshuis found new life as the central location for the Gouda public library, with another section housing the municipal archives and the Librije, later known as the regional archive Midden-Holland. These institutions relocated in early 2014 to a renovated former chocolate factory on Klein Amerika. Since May 2021, the Weeshuis has embarked on a new journey as a hotel, welcoming guests into its historic embrace.
The oldest part of the Weeshuis is recognized as a national monument, while the 1875 addition is designated as a municipal monument. The building at Spieringstraat 1 even served as the model for KLM’s 17th and 25th Delft Blue miniature houses in 1961 and 1966, respectively.
In conclusion, the Weeshuis in Gouda is more than just an architectural gem; it is a symbol of compassion and community. Its walls have witnessed centuries of change, from its origins as a haven for orphans to its current role as a hotel. For those visiting Gouda, the Weeshuis offers a unique glimpse into the city’s past and the enduring spirit of its people.
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