Naarden in Gooise Meren, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Weeshuiskazerne
⎯⎯⎯
Orphanage Barracks
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 22, 2022
1. Weeshuiskazerne / Orphanage Barracks Marker
The history of the complex begins with the nunnery of St. Mary (1440-1579). Subsequently it was used as an orphanage for a long time (1579-1809). From 1809 to 1986 it was used as barracks by the Dutch- (until 1986), German- (during WWII) and French (until 1814) armies and housed more than 300 Belgian soldiers as prisoners of war. The restoration and rebuilding of the complex was completed in 1994. Since 1992, the Orphanage Barracks has housed the Comenius Museum, among other things.
Erected by The ANWB.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work
this page online
Location. 52° 17.835′ N, 5° 9.855′ E. Marker is in Naarden, Noord-Holland (North Holland), in Gooise Meren. It is at the intersection of Kloosterstraat and Jan Massenstraat on Kloosterstraat. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Kloosterstraat 31B, Naarden, Noord-Holland 1411 RR, Netherlands. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Benelux Low Countries, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Comeniusmausoleum / Waalse Kapel Comenius Mausoleum and Walloon Chapel (a few steps from this marker); Fluweelwerkers en Zijdeweverbus / Velvet Workers and Silk Weavers Assistance Fund (within shouting distance of this marker); Kogel / Cannonball (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Replica van Stadspomp / City Water Pump Replica
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 22, 2022
2. Weeshuiskazerne / Orphanage Barracks Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here to the right of the door.
Also see . . .
1. Orphanage Barracks, Kloosterstraat, Naarden (jeoudekazernenu.nl, in Dutch).
Excerpt, on initial uses of the complex (in translation): "The history of the buildings that would form the Orphanage Barracks in later centuries goes back to 1440. In that year the Marian convent, a nunnery, was inaugurated. Like most monasteries, it was built as a large square: a garden enclosed on four sides by buildings. During the Reformation, all property of the Catholic Church was expropriated, including the monastery. In 1578 it passed into the hands of the city of Naarden and from then on it served as an orphanage. The church of the monastery continued to serve as such for, among others, refugee French-speaking Calvinists and came to be known as the 'Walloon church'."(Submitted on August 16, 2022.)
2. Weeshuiskazerne / Orphanage Barracks (c3c.nl, in Dutch).
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 22, 2022
3. Weeshuiskazerne / Orphanage Barracks Marker - wider view
The barracks and marker are visible on the left side of the street, with the building-complex going on for a ways.
On the transition from orphanage to barracks (in translation): "In 1809 the building was requisitioned as accommodation for the French garrison that occupied Naarden at the time. In the waning days of the French occupation, the French made the Naarden fortress one of their last strongholds in the Netherlands, from which they could not be driven out despite a months-long siege. Only after Napoleon's abdication in 1814 did the French surrender the fortress. The building was badly damaged during the siege. It was therefore impossible to think of a return of the orphans and in 1820 the building was transferred by the orphan masters to the city, which finally turned it into barracks."(Submitted on August 16, 2022.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 199 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 16, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
