Gouda, South Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Erasmus: Westhaven
| — | Erasmus Kind van Gouda | — |
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 21, 2025
1. Erasmus: Westhaven Marker
Tijdens zijn verblijf in het klooster van Stein, toen hij ongeveer 20 jaar oud was, bezochten Erasmus en zijn vrienden Ivaak het huis van de weduwe Bertha van Heyen. Deze vrome en vrijgevige vrouw werd door Erasmus zeer hoog geprezen. Hij schreef dan ook in 1490 een prachtige grafrede voor haar. Haar huis aan de Westhaven lag in een van de drukste buurten van Gouda, vlakbij de sluis die een belangrijke rol speelde in de Goudse economie. Ook het merendeel van de meer dan 200 bierbrouwerijen die Gouda kende, bevond zich hier.
In his 20's, during his time at the monastery of Stein, Erasmus and his friends often visited the house of the widow Bertha van Heyen. Erasmus highly regarded this pious and generous woman, and on her death in 1490, he wrote a beautiful eulogy.
Her house stood at the Westhaven, in the middle of one of Gouda's busiest neighbourhoods. It was located near the lock, which was an important factor in Gouda's economy.
Many of the over 200 breweries in Gouda were also located here.
Erected by Gemeente Gouda. (Marker Number 7.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1490.
Location. 52° 0.533′ N, 4° 42.733′ E. Marker is in Gouda, Zuid-Holland (South Holland). It is at the intersection of Noodgodsstraat and Oosthaven, on the right when traveling west on Noodgodsstraat. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this
this page online
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: Gebouw de Haven / De Haven Building (a few steps from this marker); Schafte Israël Adler (within shouting distance of this marker); Voormalig postkantoor / Former Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Woonhuis van Arie Blanken / Residence of Arie Blanken (within shouting distance of this marker); Metaheerhuis / Tahara (Ritual Washing) House (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Theodorus-stichting / St. Theodorus Foundation (within shouting distance of this marker); R.K. Meisjesschool met kapel / Catholic Girls School With Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker); Dirck Volkertszoon Coornhert (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 21, 2025
2. Erasmus: Westhaven Marker - wide view
Also see . . .
1. 7 - Tolhuis - Erasmus - Child of Gouda Audiotrail (Youtube, 3 min.). The QR code and URL on the marker lead to a page (choice of Dutch or English) with a short audio clip for each stop on the Erasmus tour. (Submitted on July 14, 2025.)
2. Erasmus (Wikipedia). Overview:
Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus (28 October c. 1466 – 12 July 1536), commonly known in English as Erasmus of Rotterdam or simply Erasmus, was a Dutch Christian humanist, Catholic priest and theologian, educationalist, satirist, and philosopher. Through his works, he is considered one of the most influential thinkers of the Northern Renaissance and one of the major figures of Dutch and Western culture.(Submitted on July 14, 2025.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 99 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 14, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
