Gouda, South Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe

Sociëteit de Réunie

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 21, 2025

1. Sociëteit de Réunie Marker

Note the QR code leads to an English translation of the marker little different from that provided here, but no additional info.

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In het middelste van de drie panden die hier vroeger stonden, overleed de veelzijdige humanist Dirck Volkertsz. Coornhert (1522-1590). Hij was dichter, toneelschrijver, vertaler, graveur, theoloog en wijsgeer. Zijn ideeën over de absolute vrijheid van consciëntie (geweten) wekten de woede van fanatieke protestanten. Hij moest daarom diverse keren vluchten, maar vond in 1588 een gastvrij onthaal in Gouda. Voor het Goudse stadsbestuur vormde zijn gedachtegoed lange tijd de basis voor een beleid dat gekenmerkt werd door diepe afkeer van gewetensdwang.
Halverwege de 17de eeuw verrees op deze plek het huidige pand. Hierin werd in 1746 Hieronymus van Alphen geboren, de dichter van 'Jantje zag eens pruimen hangen'. Sinds 1843 biedt het pand onderdak aan Sociëteit De Réunie.

(English translation:)
In the middle of the three buildings that once stood here, the versatile humanist Dirck Volkertsz. Coornhert (1522-1590) died. He was a poet, playwright, translator, engraver, theologian, and philosopher. His ideas about absolute freedom of conscience aroused the ire of fanatical Protestants. As a result,

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he was forced to flee several times, but in 1588 he found a warm welcome in Gouda. For the Gouda city council, his ideas long formed the basis for a policy characterized by a deep aversion to the coercion of conscience. The current building was built on this site in the mid-17th century. Hieronymus van Alphen, the poet of Jantje zag eens pruimen hangen (“Little Jan Once Saw Plums Hanging”), was born here in 1746. Since 1843, the building has housed the Sociëteit De Réunie (“The Rising Society”).

Erected by the ANWB. (Marker Number 2162/13.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1588.

Location. 52° 0.576′ N, 4° 42.703′ E. Marker is in Gouda, Zuid-Holland (South Holland). It is on Oosthaven, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Oosthaven 17, Gouda, Zuid-Holland 2801 PC, 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,

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 21, 2025

2. Sociëteit de Réunie Marker

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: Dirck Volkertszoon Coornhert (here, next to this marker); R.K. Meisjesschool met kapel / Catholic Girls School With Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker); Catharina Gasthuis / Catharina Guesthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Metaheerhuis / Tahara (Ritual Washing) House (within shouting distance of this marker); Schafte Israël Adler (within shouting distance of this marker); Patriciërswoning / Patrician House (within shouting distance of this marker); Gebouw de Haven / De Haven Building (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Theodorus-stichting / St. Theodorus Foundation (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gouda.

Also see . . . Dirck Coornhert (Wikipedia). Overview:

Dirck Volckertszoon Coornhert (1522 – 29 October 1590), also known as Theodore Cornhert, was a Dutch writer, philosopher, translator, politician, theologian, and artist. Coornhert is often considered
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 21, 2025

3. Sociëteit de Réunie Marker - wide view
the Father of Dutch Renaissance scholarship.

(Submitted on July 30, 2025.)

Sociëteit de Réunie building and marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 21, 2025

4. Sociëteit de Réunie building and marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 4. submitted on August 3, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.