Hofje
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A hofje is a Dutch word for a courtyard with almshouses 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 people
In the 18th century there were hofjes founded for commercial purposes; the habitants would pay rent.
Cities with many hofjes in the Netherlands are:
[edit] External link
A very good introduction to the history of hofjes can be found in [1].
