- Hofje
A hofje is a Dutch word for a courtyard with
almshouse s around it. They have existed since the Middle Ages.A hofje provided housing for elderly people (mostly women). They were privately funded, and served as a form of social security. In the Netherlands there are still a number of hofjes in use.
Hofjes are usually built in a U-shape with a yard or garden in the middle, and a gate as entrance. The shape of hofjes in most likely inspired by the (older) Begijnenhofjes -- religion-based women communities.
Usually a distinction is made between the Begijnenhofjes, and 'regular' hofjes. The first ones were used only by (Catholic) women, who were supporting themselves. They were a sort of cloister. The latter however were more charitable institutions. To be eligible to live in a hofje one had to meet four criteria:
* Sex: almost all hofjes were founded for women, as they could be relied on to keep a household running
* Religion: many hofjes were founded for people of the same faith as the founder (some hofjes were founded by church communities)
* Age: from the 17th century a minimum age was often used. Fifty years was common, and this was an old age in those years
* Social-economic background: hofjes were targeted for poorer peopleIn the 18th century there were hofjes founded for commercial purposes; the habitants would pay rent.
The "Hofje van Mevrouw Van Aerden" in
Leerdam is open to visitors as a museum.Cities with many hofjes in the Netherlands are:
*
Leiden
*Den Haag
*Haarlem (Hofjes in Haarlem )
*Amsterdam
*Alkmaar External links
* [http://www.godutch.com/inserts/Tollendale/articles/p0809a01.asp Introduction to the history of hofjes]
* [http://www.hofjevanaerden.nl/ Museum Hofje van Mevrouw Van Aerden]
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