The Civic Orphanage
In 1661, an orphanage was built on the Koemarkt in Purmerend for poor children, and in the late 16th or early 17th century a civilian house was built on the site where monastery Wateringen used to stand.
The bourgeois house served as a guesthouse, as well as a place where the sick were cared for. In 1746, the civil and orphanages merged, after which the care of the sick was moved elsewhere. In 1789, the building underwent a renovation; the gable stone above the entrance refers to this event. 'In this renewed building dwells love, help and comfort. Here Mercy takes care of the parentless offspring'.
Until the middle of the 20th century, the building served as an orphanage. Then it housed a school, then a youth shelter and later a bank. The municipality bought the monument in 2000. It briefly housed a restaurant and delicatessen, but then stood empty for years.
Since 2009, the property was occasionally used...
The bourgeois house served as a guesthouse, as well as a place where the sick were cared for. In 1746, the civil and orphanages merged, after which the care of the sick was moved elsewhere. In 1789, the building underwent a renovation; the gable stone above the entrance refers to this event. 'In this renewed building dwells love, help and comfort. Here Mercy takes care of the parentless offspring'.
Until the middle of the 20th century, the building served as an orphanage. Then it housed a school, then a youth shelter and later a bank. The municipality bought the monument in 2000. It briefly housed a restaurant and delicatessen, but then stood empty for years.
Since 2009, the property was occasionally used to sell regional products, but the municipality has since sold the property again. The right part of the building is the former Regent's Room. Here you will find the showpiece of the orphanage: a mural consisting of painted wallpaper on linen. Unique and in a class of its own. Very special, then, that you can enjoy it at 'Frites van het Weeshuys' these days. Here you can enjoy classic snacks and fries, but with a new twist.
