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:
The year 1188
The first written mention of a Bredevoort castle.
The year 1350
Bredevoort will receive minting rights.
The year 1388
Bredevoort receives its city rights, truly establishing it as a city.
The years between 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.
The year 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).
The year 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.
The year 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.
The year 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.
The year 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.
The year 1985
The last remaining sisters of St. Joseph left Bredevoort permanently.
The year 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.
The year 2008
Relocation of retirement home to new location.
The years 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.
The year 2016
Purchase of the Sint Bernardus building by Jos Betting & Nicole Prinsen, start of renovation.
The year 2020
Boutique Hotel & Brasserie de Heerlyckheid celebrates its grand opening.
