Bredevoort

Because Bredevoort has had a protected cityscape since 5 December 1986, the historic facades have been beautifully preserved. Many residents have even restored their façade to its original state during a renovation. During renovations, excavation work and resurfacing wall remains, canal profiles or even a subterranean corridor were found. Each house has its own character. A right angle is the exception rather than the rule. The houses are generally somewhat slanted on the building line. The narrow streets, such as the Hozenstraat, with the authentic lanterns complete the picture. The earliest document mentioning the existence of Bredevoort dates from 1188. On the goods list of the diocese of Cologne is the 'Castrum Breidervort'. An extensive story about the castle can be found at Bredevoort Castle.

For a long time Bredevoort was the administrative centre of the Fairs Winterswijk, Aalten and Dinxperlo. In Bredevoort, justice was administered and taxes collected. Residents were also obliged to perform certain activities in the so-called hand and span services. The judicial archives have been transferred to the State Archives in Arnhem.

On several houses there are signs with a coat of arms. These weapons refer to the borgmen who lived in and around Bredevoort. They were obliged to assist their lord in defending the castle and the city.

From 1612 to 1792 Bredevoort was part of the eastern defensive line of Holland as a garrison town. To illustrate a quote from "The defense of the Netherlands in 1629" by J.P. de Bordes: "Breevoort was very strong because of its location in a swamp. This fortress was fortified with a main rampart; In 1628, the making of a covered road was tendered. The Kommandant of this place was Wolf Mislich, who made himself famous in taking Weasel. From Breevoort, the convooijen of the enemy were often attacked during his stay on the IJssel. (....) The armament consisted of 6 chamber pieces." Bredevoort has been the National Book City since 27 August 1993.

Since then, about 20 antiquarian shops have settled in the historic centre. In the antiquarian shops you can go from Tuesday to Saturday and on Sunday afternoon for a very diverse range of antiquarian books, 2nd-hand books and books that are no longer printed.

Author: MX-5 Roadster Club NL