Gouda, South Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Willem Vroesenhuis
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William Vroesen House
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 2, 2026
1. Willem Vroesenhuis / William Vroesen House Marker
In 1555 werd op deze plaats door Willem Vroesen een oudemannenhuis gesticht. Kort na 1600 werd het aanzienlijk vergroot en kwam het poortje in de zijgevel. Het beeldhouwwerk is waarschijnlijk van de hand van steenhouwer Gregorius Cool die verantwoordelijk is voor het bordes van het stadhuis en andere reliëfs in Gouda. In 1831 vond een grote verbouwing plaats onder leiding van stadsarchitect W. van Bemmel. Daarbij kwam de huidige voorgevel in empirestijl tot stand. In de jaren tachtig van de 20ste eeuw werden in het complex wooneenheden gerealiseerd.
Willem Vroesen House
A home for elderly men was founded on this site by Willem Vroesen in 1555. Shortly after 1600, the building was significantly enlarged, and the small gateway in the side façade was added. The stonework is likely the work of stonemason Gregorius Cool, who was also responsible for the town hall’s entrance platform and other reliefs in Gouda. A major renovation took place in 1831 under the supervision of city architect W. van Bemmel, resulting in the current Empire-style front façade. Residential
this page online
Erected by the ANWB, VVV. (Marker Number 35189/012.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1555.
Location. 52° 0.63′ N, 4° 42.771′ E. Marker is in Gouda, Zuid-Holland (South Holland). It is at the intersection of Willem Vroesenplein and Molenwerf, on the left when traveling east on Willem Vroesenplein. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Willem Vroesenplein 1, Gouda, Zuid-Holland 2806 CC, 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: Weeshuis / Orphanage (a few steps from this marker); Ubi Bene, Ibi Patria (within shouting distance of this marker); Het Joodse Poort - Gouda Holocaust Memorial (within shouting distance
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 2, 2026
2. Willem Vroesenhuis / William Vroesen House Marker - wide view
Also see . . . Willem Vroesenhuis (Wikipedia, in Dutch). Excerpt (in translation):
In 1555, Willem Vroesen (Gouda, 1478–1561) decided to make his house and grounds available to provide shelter for elderly, impoverished men in the city of Gouda. Willem Vroesen belonged to the city's prominent citizenry and held important public offices…. As early as 1537, Willem Vroesen and his wife, Machtelt Voppendochter, had made a substantial sum of money available to fund the distribution of bread to the poor during the winter months.(Submitted on September 16, 2026.)
For centuries, the Willem Vroesenhuis served the function of an "almshouse for elderly men," a role established in the 16th century. It was not until 1977 that the last resident—thewell-known Gouda local and honorary citizen, Mr. A.R. van de Putte — left the historic building. Following extensive debate and numerous protests against plans for new construction, a decision was made to restore the complex. Today, the complex comprises 13 homes and 5 residential units arranged around a picturesque courtyard.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 2, 20263. Willem Vroesenhuis / William Vroesen House and marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 16, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
