Here you see one of the oldest houses in Alkmaar, built in 1540, situated on Kanisstreet number 1. A ‘kanis’ is a pedlar’s basket and because the house is situated near an old almshouse you may assume that pedlar’s went to the almshouse often to sell their items. The façade is that of a typicalContinue reading “House from 1540”
Author Archives: allecmere
1573
1573 is the year my birth town Alkmaar was liberated from the Spanish oppression. The Eighty Years War, as it was also called, was the Dutch revolt against the Spanish monarch Philips II. Because it is almost 500 years ago, I will not go into the politics of that time. Suffice it to say theContinue reading “1573”
A 1000 year old Viking ring
Stop traveller, come sit by the fire! I have quite story for you!! On Christmas day of the year 2019 a silver ring was found in Hoogwoud, The Netherlands. The ring dates from the 10th century and is a typical Viking ring. Viking experts believe the ring was worn as a pendant, as it isContinue reading “A 1000 year old Viking ring”
14th century house
Now that the world basically has stopped turning due to a modern ‘plague’ I feel the need to share with you pictures of one of the oldest houses in my country The Netherlands and lucky me, I live very close to it! So, just to cheer you up I am sharing these. The house wasContinue reading “14th century house”
The Law Stones
There are three stones buried in the streets of Leiden, which aren’t just decoration, they actually mark the city’s medieval different districts. The stones not only function as a border between the districts, it was also the place where law was practised in public; which means that many punishments and executions were held here. TheContinue reading “The Law Stones”
An Adorable Stronghold
During my many travels, I have visited many places, towns, cathedrals and castles. Allow me to tell you about one of those today. I will take you to the town of Lisse, which is 25 miles south-west of Amsterdam. In the 10th century it isn’t more than a handful of farms. Lisse is near theContinue reading “An Adorable Stronghold”
Golden ring from the 7th century
Dear traveller, have I got a story for you today! It is simply amazing! Have a seat and listen. Last year, in the year 2019, this region was tormented by the Box Tree Caterpillar and many buxus plants were destroyed because of it. It was a very sad episode for those who love gardening. OneContinue reading “Golden ring from the 7th century”
A ballad!
Hello Traveller, today I am going to be sharing with you a very old song from my region. It is called “The Ballad of Lord Halewijn” and it dates from the 1300s. Several versions of the story of Halewijn exist. In all of them, Lord Halewijn (Halewyn) is either an evil man, a magician, aContinue reading “A ballad!”
Sta viator…
Sta viator, ‘stop traveller’, that is what it means… stop and stay a while in Ava’s corner. My place is the one with the warm campfire, soft sheepskins and good food. Like the big house you see on the home page, a farm dating from the 600s CE and that is where I live andContinue reading “Sta viator…”
Yes, a new blog!
Welcome to my new blog! For the past few weeks I have been plotting & designing and now I am ready to launch this latest brain child. This blog will be filled with all things medieval and all things SCA, well, the SCA stuff that I do. You will find many things on this blogs,Continue reading “Yes, a new blog!”
