Two gate pillars with decorative ornaments mark the spot where horses and carts once entered the yard of Wassenaar Farm.
The name of this farm already appears on centuries-old maps. The name most likely refers to the Van Wassenaer family, the oldest noble family in the County of Holland. Around 1726, the farm passed into the hands of local families from De Zilk. The last descendant of the Kerkvliet family, which had owned the farm since 1848, Cornelis Kerkvliet, died childless in 1939. By will, the Heilig Hart parish inherited the farmland and buildings.
In 1962, the residents at the time were suddenly startled by a major fire. The farm burned down completely and had to be demolished. Only the gate pillars, a service house and a stable remained standing. When the present-day residential area was built, those last remnants of the past also disappeared. In 2006, the gate pillars were rebuilt in their original style as silent witnesses to history.
Did you know?
- In …
The name of this farm already appears on centuries-old maps. The name most likely refers to the Van Wassenaer family, the oldest noble family in the County of Holland. Around 1726, the farm passed into the hands of local families from De Zilk. The last descendant of the Kerkvliet family, which had owned the farm since 1848, Cornelis Kerkvliet, died childless in 1939. By will, the Heilig Hart parish inherited the farmland and buildings.
In 1962, the residents at the time were suddenly startled by a major fire. The farm burned down completely and had to be demolished. Only the gate pillars, a service house and a stable remained standing. When the present-day residential area was built, those last remnants of the past also disappeared. In 2006, the gate pillars were rebuilt in their original style as silent witnesses to history.
Did you know?
- In 1830, Cornelis Heemskerk, the farmer at Wassenaar Farm, owned 22 cows, 1 bull, 2 horses, 8 sheep and 5 pigs.
- The Kerkvliet family in De Zilk is commemorated in a street name.
Photo: gate pillars of Wassenaar Farm