Hoofdwacht

Journey back to the 13th century. Imagine Haarlem, a bustling medieval town. At its heart, the Grote Markt. And dominating the square, the Hoofdwacht. The Hoofdwacht stands as the oldest building in Haarlem. Originally, the Hoofdwacht served as the city’s first town hall, a hub of civic activity from 1250 to 1350. Later, prominent families called the Hoofdwacht home, its imposing structure a symbol of their status. The lower levels housed various businesses. A printing press churned out documents. A general store offered everyday goods. And barrels of beer filled the cool cellars. Though it eventually lost its official function as town hall, the Hoofdwacht continued to host important council meetings. Especially when the Count of Holland graced Haarlem with his presence. A plaque above the door commemorates this, hinting at the building’s enduring importance. It explains that whenever the Count held court across the square, the Hoofdwacht became the courthouse. In the 16th century, the humanist Dirck Volckertszoon Coornhert ran a printshop in the basement. Later, the Hoofdwacht even served as a jail. Until 1899, prisoners were held upstairs. This marked a shift in the purpose of imprisonment, from pre-sentencing holding to a form of punishment itself. In 1755, the Hoofdwacht took on a new role, becoming the headquarters of the civic guard. The building’s name, Hoofdwacht, reflects this function. Every morning and evening, the city gates were opened and closed by the militia who lived within its walls. For a brief period, the Hoofdwacht was also used as a military hospital. This is where Antonius Mathijsen invented the orthopedic plaster cast in 1851. The Hoofdwacht also served as a sentinel post. Watchmen stood guard on the balcony. They communicated with a lookout posted in the steeple of St. Bavochurch across the square. Red flags signaled fires or unrest, allowing the guards to respond swiftly. This practice continued until 1919. Today, the Hoofdwacht houses the Haarlem Historical Association. It hosts meetings, exhibitions, and offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past. The Hoofdwacht, witness to centuries of Haarlem’s history, still stands proudly on the Grote Markt. It’s a testament to the city’s evolution, a silent guardian of its stories.