Information panel | Slot Purmersteijn | Slotplein
Slotplein is an important, historic spot for Purmerend. Not much of it can be seen now, but until the mid-18th century, a huge castle with substantial donjons at the corners and large halls stood here. Even bigger than the Muiderslot!
The important administrative and military centre Slot Purmersteijn was built in 1410 by the wealthy banker Willem Eggert. As tresor of Holland and Zeeland, he was one of the most powerful men in the county. He used his power to tackle fraud and bribery within the Dutch nobility. Under his leadership, West Friesland, Texel and the Kop van Noord-Holland were freed from noble tyranny and most villages gained self-government.
This was not reciprocated by Eggert. During his lifetime, he received me...
The important administrative and military centre Slot Purmersteijn was built in 1410 by the wealthy banker Willem Eggert. As tresor of Holland and Zeeland, he was one of the most powerful men in the county. He used his power to tackle fraud and bribery within the Dutch nobility. Under his leadership, West Friesland, Texel and the Kop van Noord-Holland were freed from noble tyranny and most villages gained self-government.
This was not reciprocated by Eggert. During his lifetime, he received many an angry letter from the Dutch nobility. After his death, his family was disposed of by this group, so the name Eggert has no further relevance in Purmerend history. The castle also came back into the hands of the noble families, who left the management entirely to a castellan. Over the centuries, Slot Purmersteijn became a hated symbol of the power of castellors and the Prince of Orange in particular. When the opportunity arose, the Purmerend regents demolished the castle in 1741.
In the castle square, where the entrance to the castle was originally located, you will find only a replica of a piece of the castle wall. Also take a look at the information panel for more information.
