BREDEVOORT AND HUIZE SINT BERNARDUS

The picturesque town of Bredevoort and its surroundings have a very rich history. Huize Sint Bernardus, in which De Heerlyckheid is located, also played a prominent role in this.

An overview of historical facts:

1188

The first written mention of a Bredevoort castle.

1350

Bredevoort will receive minting rights.

1388

Bredevoort receives its city rights, truly establishing it as a city.

1568-1648

During the 80-year war, Bredevoort became involved in the fighting between the Dutch and Spanish troops and was besieged and conquered several times.

1626

The birth of Hendrickje Stoffels, the most famous inhabitant of Bredevoort. Rembrandt’s housekeeper and partner. Her statue is on ‘t Zand (opposite hotel de Heerlyckheid).

1646

The KRUIDTORENRAMP, lightning strikes one of the towers of the castle on July 12, causing the stored gunpowder to explode. As many as 40 people died. Reason for Hendrickje Stoffels to look for happiness in Amsterdam with Rembrandt.

1795

Administrative changes due to the arrival of the French. The Bredevoort office is divided.

Huize Sint Bernardus was commissioned by Jan Satink, lieutenant colonel in the State army of the National Regiment, built on the site where the outer bailey of Bredevoort Castle stood.

1897

The property became the property of Pastor Bernardus Mulders, who wanted to establish a hospital there. Under the management of the Franciscan Sisters of Thuine, the R.K. Sanatorium St. Bernardus Gesticht founded.

1933

The building became a nursing home, and the Sisters of St. Francis of Thuine were succeeded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Amersfoort.

1985

The last remaining sisters of St. Joseph left Bredevoort permanently.

1988

Huize Sint Bernardus was renovated and expanded by the St. Bernardus care home foundation, which also used the building as a home for the elderly.

2008

Relocation of retirement home to new location.

2015 / 2016

The garden was radically renovated by felling diseased trees and planting new young trees. A “floating” concrete path of more than two meters wide was laid through the park with concrete elements that protrude about 25 centimeters above ground level.