Oude Stad in Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe

Hofje van Oorschot

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 19, 2017

1. Hofje van Oorschot Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Gesticht uit nalatenschap van
Wouterus van Oorschot,
op de plaats van het
vormaalig H. Geesthuis en - kerk.
Gebouwd in 1769.
Smeedijzeren hek uit de bouwtijd.

[English translation:]
Founded from the bequest of Wouterus van Oorschot, on the former site of the Church- and House of the Holy Spirit. Built in 1769. The wrought iron gate dates from the time of construction.

Erected by The ANWB.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1769.

Location. 52° 22.995′ N, 4° 38.111′ E. Marker is in Oude Stad, Noord-Holland (North Holland), in Haarlem. Marker is at the intersection of Kruisstraat and Krocht, on the right when traveling south on Kruisstraat. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Kruisstraat 44G, Oude Stad, Noord-Holland 2011 PZ, Netherlands. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Paterskerk (R.K.) / Church of Our Father (Roman Catholic) (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Hoofdwacht / Civic Guard Headquarters

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(about 210 meters away); May 8 1945 / 8 Mei 1945 (about 210 meters away); Vishal / "Fish Hall" (about 240 meters away); Huis Van Schagen / The Van Schagen Building (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Site of Former Synagogue (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Het Pietershuis (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Simon Philip de Vries (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oude Stad.

Regarding Hofje van Oorschot. The literal meaning of the Dutch word "hofje" in English, "small garden" is inadequate to convey its functional meaning. A hofje is a social institution, usually funded and operated by a foundation, that provides housing (with a small garden) for those in lesser circumstances, i.e. the aged, single mothers, or widows.

Also see . . .
1. Hofjes in Haarlem (Wikipedia). "What we would call 'social work' today was called charity work in earlier centuries. Hofjes in Haarlem are the remnants of charity work that were founded by defunct community structures that were divided by religious order and social

Hofje van Oorschot Marker - Wide View image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 19, 2017

2. Hofje van Oorschot Marker - Wide View

The marker is visible here mounted on the wall, between the archway and the door to the left of it.

class, but all more or less guided by the then prevailing need to perform the Christian Seven Works of Mercy; feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, bury the dead, shelter the traveler, comfort the sick, and free the imprisoned. Committing any of these acts would gain the giver entrance through the pearly gates of Heaven. This is what prompted so many wealthy Haarlem citizens to found Hofjes in their name on their death." (Submitted on February 5, 2018.)

2. InZicht Haarlem: Hofje van Oorschot (YouTube, 3 min., in Dutch). A short video tour of the hofje and its grounds. (Submitted on February 5, 2018.)

3. Hofje van Oorschot (Wikipedia). "This hofje was founded upon the death of the donor in 1768 (the date on the memorial plaque on the facade), but wasn't built until 1770, because of demands made by the neighbor on the other side of the street, David Van Lennep. He wanted an attractive view, and organized the commission of the monumental wrought-iron gate that exists today. The donor was Wouterus van Oorschot, a burger of Amsterdam who was born in Dordrecht. He founded the hofje on his death because of his Haarlem roots....The hofje was built upon the grounds of the former Heilige Geesthuis, an old religious institution like the St. Elisabeth gasthuis that itself was a type of hofje...."

Hofje van Oorschot garden, as seen through the gate image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 19, 2017

3. Hofje van Oorschot garden, as seen through the gate

(Submitted on February 5, 2018.)

<i>Het Hofje van Oorschot, Haarlem.</i> image. Click for full size.

Postcard published by H. Wernik & Zn., Haarlem, circa 1925

4. Het Hofje van Oorschot, Haarlem.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 161 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 5, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.