Discover the history of the Hof

Where exactly does the name Hof come from? Earlier names for this lively square include “de Hoff” and “Coornmerkt” (grain market). And those names trace all the way back to a medieval bishop’s court. It is situated on a spur of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, where the Eem River once flowed around it in a bend. This so-called “bisschopshof” (bishop’s court) is mentioned in a charter as early as 1203, which tells us that the Hof has existed since 1196.

Both in the 13th and 14th centuries, the Hof was raised several times to make it more suitable for markets. In the 16th century, the Hof was even paved and known as Marktveld. The place for all markets in the city of Amersfoort. Extraordinary that the place where you can still go to the market on Fridays and Saturdays now, so people have been doing that for centuries. For weekly shopping and the latest gossip. What you can find on the market these days for all kinds of goodies and beautiful things? Check it out here!

Amersfoort's Town Hall used to be located at Hof, near number 12. It is no longer there, but the street name Achter Het Oude Stadhuis still reminds you of it. It was first two and later three buildings. Of which the earliest phase of construction dates from the 13th century. From 1536 the Amersfoort city hall was located in a residential tower and adjacent building. In the 17th century, the third building was also bought up. The town hall was modified several times over the years. Until it moved to the Westsingel in the early 19th century. Since 1974, the city hall has been located on the Stadhuisplein and soon on the now vacant Trapezium site.

Sint-Joriskerk is the eye-catcher of the Hof. A historic building that can still be admired today. A bishop's court was founded here in the 12th century. This court included a chapel, which was probably dedicated to "Saint George. In 1248, the chapel was replaced by a Romanesque hall church, which was later rebuilt into a Gothic cruciform church. From the early 15th century to 1534, the church was expanded into a three-aisled hall church, enclosing the 1190 tower. The once-painted medieval paintings were restored 40 years ago. And again in 2010-2011, Sint-Joriskerk was restored. This time because the historic oak roof structures were infested by the Pied Piper.

There’s much more to tell about this special monument. Would you like to visit it? Be sure to check if it’s open. It’s used for church services every Sunday, and on other days of the week, it’s regularly rented out for concerts, conferences, and receptions.

Near Sint-Joriskerk , you’ll find a small colonnade dating from 1608, known as the Boterhal, Boterwaag, and Boterbeurs. In 1616, it served as the bell-ringer’s house, and today it houses the market master’s office. Since 1992, the building has featured a small mechanical clock, where St. George and the dragon emerge every hour. St. George is the patron saint of Amersfoort, and he defeats the dragon anew every hour. I think almost every child in Amersfoort has seen this little scene at least once.

And more executions took place at the Butter Hall. For in the past all death sentences were pronounced in the Courtroom in the Town Hall at Hof. The sentence was then carried out in front of the Butter Hall. The methods of execution here in Amersfoort consisted of; the sword, hanging or radbraken until the introduction of the guillotine. Fortunately, capital punishment was abolished in 1870.

Back to a lighter topic. The stately building at number 15— where you’ll now find Gastrobar De Professor —once housed the fashion house “De Stad Parijs.” Sounds luxurious, doesn’t it? Too bad there’s no such thing as a time machine. Another old stone building is Logement de Gaaper , dating from around 1225. Starting in 1822, it housed a pharmacy. The “gaper” that once adorned the building was donated to Museum Amersfoort, where you can still see it today. These days, you can enjoy a pleasant overnight stay at De Gaaper during your city trip to our vibrant city.

At the center of Hof is our city fountain. A fountain in which a bronze face can be seen spouting water from its mouth. Stories circulate about a dragon who sat under this spring. And who knows, maybe it is still there?

On the Hof you will not only find beauty from a distant past and mystical creatures such as dragons. You can also stroll around the market, discover unique stores in the side streets, eat out extensively or have dances and drinks. Will you stop by too?

Source: Home - Archief Eemland