Gouda, South Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Woonhuis Weldoenster van Erasmus
⎯⎯⎯
Home of the Benefactor of Erasmus
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 21, 2025
1. Woonhuis Weldoenster van Erasmus / Home of the Benefactor of Erasmus Marker
This is the site of the house where Bertha van Heyen (†1490) lived. This patrician widow was like a mother to Erasmus. He dedicated two moving epitaphs and a funeral oration to her, in which he remembered her as his guardian and benefactor and her home as his refuge. She had taken pity on him as an orphan, supported him in his poverty, comforted him in his despair, and encouraged him in his moments of weakness.
Erected by Erasmus Gouda, ANWB. (Marker Number 35917/001.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Women.
Location. 52° 0.593′ N, 4° 42.64′ E.
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: Patriciërswoning / Patrician House (a few steps from this marker); Donkere sluis / Donkere Lock (within shouting distance of this marker); Selma Maass-Strauss (within shouting distance of this marker); Catharina Gasthuis / Catharina Guesthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Rotterdamsche Bank (1921) (within shouting distance of this marker); Achter de Kerk / “Behind the Church” (within shouting distance of this marker); Magazijn De Zon / “The Sun Warehouse” (within shouting distance of this marker); R.K. Meisjesschool met kapel / Catholic Girls School With Chapel
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 21, 2025
2. Woonhuis Weldoenster van Erasmus / Home of the Benefactor of Erasmus Marker - wide view
Also see . . . Heyen, Bertha van (?-1490) (Huygens Institute, in Dutch). Excerpt (in translation):
HEYEN, Bertha van (died Gouda 9-10-1490), benefactor, commemorated by Erasmus in a funeral oration. She married Baert Jan Heyensz. (died before or in 1474). At least one son and three daughters were born from this marriage.(Submitted on July 16, 2025.)
Bertha van Heyen's name has survived thanks to two epitaphs and an extensive funeral oration Erasmus wrote about her: "Oratio funebris in funere Berthae de Heyen." She was a patrician widow from Gouda who apparently served as a mother figure to Erasmus. He praises her as his guardian and benefactor and her home as his refuge. She had taken pity on him as an orphan, supported him in his poverty, comforted him in his despair, and encouraged him in his moments of weakness. With his funeral or eulogy (perhaps a letter of consolation?), Erasmus intended to comfort her two surviving daughters. In his "Oratio," he mentions the date of her death (St. Brigitte: October 9), but not the year. A note at the end of the speechstates that Erasmus wrote it in his 21st year. Since the author of the notes in this manuscript assumed Erasmus was born in 1469, it can be calculated that he must have written this piece in 1490, after October 9 (Vredeveld, 804).Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 21, 20253. Woonhuis Weldoenster van Erasmus / Home of the Benefactor of Erasmus
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 16, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
