A Brief History of Begijnhof, Amsterdam

Begijnhof is among the oldest enclosed courtyards in Amsterdam and dates backs to at least the 14th century. This picturesque square features several important historical sites including one of the oldest townhouses in the entire city and Amsterdam’s English Reformed Church.
Begijnhof’s name derives from its original occupants – an order of semi-monastic women known as Beguines. Although it is unclear when this sisterhood founded the courtyard, historical records suggest that they started living in the area around the early 14th century.
Even though this order practised Catholicism they were allowed to keep most of their property after the Reformation – a time when most buildings that were owned by the Catholic church were confiscated by the Protestant Dutch government. However, the commune’s chapel was taken from them in 1578 and given to Amsterdam’s English speaking Protestant congregation, who then converted it into The English Reformed Church.