HOFJE ARMEN DE POTH

About Hofje Armen de Poth and the surrounding complex …During the second half of the 14th century, the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit cared for the sick and the poor of Amersfoort. They distributed alms of money or goods known as “proven”, popularly called ‘the Poth’. As a result, the brethren were dubbed “Pothbroeders” or Poth Brothers. Around 1525, the brotherhood moved from the Holy Spirit Chapel (presently the Lutheran Church on the Langestraat) and settled in right here at this present premises as De Poth.

In 1547, the Cel-sisters of the Convent of St. Ursula who ran into financial problems, came to live on de Poth. They stayed for several decades in the “Celzusterenkamer” or Cel-sisters Chamber and helped nurse the victims of the plague in the “Pesthuis” or Pest House, across from their accommodation. This Pest House was made available free of charge to the elderly who had no roofs over their heads while wealthy plague sufferers could rent isolated almshouses, sometimes with their own servants. The last of the Cel-sisters died in 1592. The Cel-sisters Chamber is now a meeting room, part of the Main building.

Sint-Rochuskapel is a late Gothic brick chapel built around 1500. Saint Roch was the patron saint for protection against infectious diseases like the plague. Appropriately!
The chapel fell into disuse at the end of the 16th century and later served as a warehouse. Eventually, it was restored in 1905 and became the distribution center of weekly alms provided by the Poth Brothers. Alms such as bread baked at the bakery (now part of the Main building) were given out to the non-resident till 1962 and for the residents until 1975.
Further renovation made Saint Roch Chapel suitable as a location rental for cultural events, weddings and private gatherings. Revenues generated through the hosting of these events are used to maintain the complex and support its inhabitants.

When the Pest House was demolished in 1892, 12 homes were built to replace it. The brotherhood offered these housing to those in need of shelter on a very low rent. Thus, began the tradition that is still in practice till today.
Currently, Hofje Armen de Poth or the court of almshouses Armen de Poth has 49 modernized housing units, all inhabited except for one that serves as a ‘show house’ and ‘schaftruimte’ available for public viewing by appointment only. The courtyard complex is managed by a private foundation, De Armen De Poth, one of the oldest welfare institution in Amersfoort. The objective has always been to offer shelter for a small fee intended for the poor and elderly of Amersfoort with limited income. Many single women, men and some couples, appreciate the modest rent for a comfortable home that has a small garden within this oasis of tranquility. It is one the largest “hofjes” in the Netherlands, independent without subsidies and has no religious basis.

Visiting Hofje Armen de Poth when in Amersfoort is an interesting detour if you know a little bit of its history.
At each of the three gates to the complex, you will find a QR code for a link to izi.travel website or its app where you can access an audio tour or read the short excerpt in Dutch or English. It is a self-guided walking tour around the courtyard and it is absolutely FREE.
Whatever you do, please respect the privacy of residents during your visit. No peeking through windows into their
homes!

Website: http://www.armendepoth.nl/het-hofje-bezoeken/
Address: Pothstraat 16 3811 JL Amersfoort
Entrance Fees: FREE
Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays from sunrise to sunset. On Sundays no tours, no events.
Getting There: Bus number 5 stop at De Kamp / de bull (8 minute walk) or stop at De Flint (8 minute walk). Otherwise, 20-min walk from Amersfoort train station.