Gazing upon the Bet van Beerenbrug, did you ever imagine it once held a massive pipe? This rather unassuming bridge, spanning the Oudezijds Achterburgwal canal, connects the Korte Niezel and Korte Stormsteeg. Bet van Beerenbrug, bridge number 210, wasn’t always its name. It was once known as Stormsteegbrug. Its history stretches back centuries, appearing on Balthasar Florisz. van Berckenrode’s 1625 map. It likely existed even before then. The Bet van Beerenbrug has seen many iterations, from simple wooden structures to iron spans. It served not only as a crossing but also supported a large pipe on its northern side for years. In 1972, the Bet van Beerenbrug underwent a five-month renovation. It received a new, gray concrete design, quite different from its surroundings. The massive pipe also disappeared. Notice how the eastern bank of the Oudezijds Achterburgwal lacks quays at this point. The renaming of the bridge in 2017 honors Bet van Beeren. She was an early advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and ran the nearby pub “Het Mandje” on Zeedijk. This renaming symbolizes the bridges she built between diverse groups in her community. Bet van Beerenbrug, therefore, stands as more than just a crossing. It’s a tribute to a remarkable woman and a reminder of Amsterdam’s rich and inclusive history.
Bet van Beerenbrug
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