Binnenstad in Utrecht, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe

Eloyen Gasthuis / Eloyen Almshouse

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, September 17, 2023

1. Eloyen Gasthuis / Eloyen Almshouse Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Het Utrechtse Smedengilde Eloy, genoemd naar de beschermheilige St. Eloy (Eligius), dateert uit 1304. Het gilde stichtte hier rond 1446 een gasthuis voor behoeftige gildeleden en hun weduwen. Sinds 1603 werd, dankzij een nalatenschap van meestersmid en gildebroeder Adriaan Willemsz van Dashorst, aan twintig arme gildeleden of andere armen wekelijks brood en geld gegeven. Deze uitdeling heeft tot 1908 in de Buurkerk. de parochiekerk van de smeden. plaatsgevonden. In 1644 werd de toegangspoort met smidshamer aangebracht. Het huis bezit een kolfbaan uit 1730.

(English translation:)

The Utrecht Blacksmiths' Guild Eloy, named after the patron saint St. Eloy (Eligius), dates from 1304. The guild founded a guest house (i.e., social housing or almshouse) here around 1446 for needy guild members and their widows. Since 1603, thanks to a legacy of master blacksmith and guild brother Adriaan Willemsz van Dashorst, twenty poor guild members or other poor people have been given bread and money every week. This distribution took place in the Buurkerk, the parish church of the blacksmiths, until 1908.

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The entrance gate with a blacksmith's hammer was installed in 1644. The house has a “kolf” rink from 1730 (“kolf” is a Dutch ice sport perhaps something similar to mini-golf).

Erected by The ANWB, VVV.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Labor Unions. A significant historical year for this entry is 1304.

Location. 52° 5.38′ N, 5° 7.132′ E. Marker is in Utrecht. It is in Binnenstad. Marker is on Boterstraat, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Boterstraat 22, Utrecht 3511 KA, Netherlands. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gebouw Voor Kunst En Wetenschappen / Arts and Science Building (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Maartensbrug en Oude Gracht / "St. Martin's Bridge" on the Old Canal (about 120 meters away); Mariakerk / St. Mary's Church (about 150 meters away); Het Duitse Huis / The German House (about 150 meters away); Sociëteit De Vereeniging / “The Association” Society (about 150 meters away); Congresgebouw De Vereeniging / Congress Building of “De Vereeniging” (about 150 meters away); Paleis Lofen (about 180 meters away); a different marker also named Paleis Lofen (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Utrecht.

Also see . . .

Eloyen Gasthuis / Eloyen Almshouse Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, September 17, 2023

2. Eloyen Gasthuis / Eloyen Almshouse Marker - wide view

St. Eloy’s Hospice (Wikipedia).

On the “kolf court”: The hospice has a kolf court, now roofed over, which is more than 250 years old. Since its last restoration it is a really beautiful sight, with the court marked out in brass inlay in the floor.

By the 18th century, when the kolf court was purchased, kolf (then an outdoor sport) had become so popular that courts were to be found throughout the land. Every little village had one, while a city like Utrecht had as many as twenty (in 1700).

(Submitted on October 16, 2023.)

Eloyen Gasthuis / Eloyen Almshouse Marker - wider view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, September 17, 2023

3. Eloyen Gasthuis / Eloyen Almshouse Marker - wider view

Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2023, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 37 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 16, 2023, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.