A whisper of history clings to the air. Here we stand before the Recht Boomssloot a canal in Amsterdam’s heart.
The Recht Boomssloot a waterway named after Cornelis Boom a 16th-century shipbuilder. He lived here at numbers 1 to 3. Around 1530 he widened two ditches the Rechtboomssloot and Kromboomssloot. He connected his shipyard on the Lastage to the IJ. The Kromboomssloot became a cross-channel. The Rechtboomssloot is straight. The Kromboomssloot has a bend. Notice the names reflect this.
The Lastage was outside Amsterdam’s city walls. It faced attacks from the county of Guelders. Cornelis Boom had to agree to close the Rechtboomssloot in times of danger. He received no compensation. In 1538 the canal was closed due to a threatened attack. Boom took the case all the way to the Hof van Holland in Brussels. He fought to keep his canal open. In 1565 the Court ruled the gates should remain open on at least one side. This ensured free water traffic. This decision was influenced by William the Silent.
Amsterdam expanded eastwards. The Lastage became part of the growing city. Around 1589 houses were built south of the Recht Boomssloot. The city bought the land.
The Recht Boomssloot saw many businesses. The In den witte Haen brewery was here. It had large cellars under it. These cellars stored water delivered by boat. The brewery was demolished around 1880. Houses replaced it. In the 1970s the cellars were rediscovered.
De Haan & Sleutels brewery was on the Recht Boomssloot. It moved in 1890. PJA Chrispijn bought the buildings. He created a winery distillery and liquor distillery. He sold drinks like Nassaubitter Oranjebitter and Advocaat. His 18 Amsterdam stores thrived. Lucas Bols bought Chrispijn in 1953. The company moved to Oudezijds Voorburgwal 234.
A proposed plan to remove trees in 1994 was cancelled. Residents protested.
Today the Recht Boomssloot still holds its charm. It’s a part of Amsterdam’s history. It’s a reminder of the city’s growth and resilience. Its stories echo in the water. They resonate in the buildings lining its banks. The Recht Boomssloot’s history is rich and full. It’s a living testament to Amsterdam’s past. It is a canal with a story worth remembering.