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Sint Anna Aalmoeshuis
Entrance: Middelstegracht between nrs 2 and 4
Founded: 1492
Chapel consecration: 1509
This hofje is one of the oldest hofjes in Leiden. In their wills a brewer and his wife, Wilem Claeszoon and Hillegont Willemsdochter de Bruyn, stated that an almshouse for poor women of good name and reputation should be founded. Their children endowed a chapel, which became consecrated in 1509.
Middelstegracht
The gate to this hofje on the Hooigracht is not used since the Elisabethhospital moved in the beginning of the eighties. Students and young people now live in that building. The inhabitants thought the long, dark alley to the Hooigracht was too unsafe. They decided to use the rear entrance on the Middelstegracht.
'Perks' (preuven)
As was a rule in many other hofjes, when an inhabitant died, her belongings came to the hofje. An inventory was made to prevent family members from taking stuff. These goods were sold on public auctions. The proceeds were used to pay for the funeral.
Nowadays
The sint Anna Aalmoeshuis is still meant for single women. There are no rules for being poor anymore. There is, however, still an age limit between fourty en fifty years.
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