As you know, my country is small. But, we are so rich in history. Today, I am going to share another story on a very very old building, a 13th century farm. As it happens, it is the oldest still working farm in Western Europe and I am so proud it is in The Netherlands.
The farm is called the Poor Man’s farm. You see, until the year 1648, the entire harvest would go to the poor in the area.
The building is located 4 kilometres north of Eindhoven. The oldest part of the farm, the back and actual stables, was built in 1263.
The wooden cross beams in the timber frame were investigated and dendrochronology showed us they date from in or around the year 1263.
Now, because this farm was used to feed the poor, we also know a bit more about the owners.
In the year 1471, the farm was most likely owned by gentleman called Amelrijck/Americk/Amelric Booth or Boodt (pronounce as ‘boat’). He was vassal of the duke of Brabant, he was also the duke’s mint master in Brussels and owned this castle called De Horst.
Amelric was first married to lady Campenhout (her first name escapes us) and his second wife was Elisabeth van Schoonhoven. He had two daughters, Barbara and Elisabeth.
Ava's Corner 