In the many centuries before the state sponsored health and old people's programmes, the poor and sick had to rely on the purses of the wealthy.

In a God-fearing society like that of Holland's Golden Age, while not being profligate, the wealthy either built these almshouses or made bequests to build them to house the old or poor or both in all the major towns in the country.

This one was built in 1646 to house eight old ladies and is named after its benefactor.