Overheidsgebouw, Markt 5

English translation

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Description

Town Hall. Late Gothic building, begun in 1474. Probably designed by Mr Evert Spoorwater. The facade of gobertanger stone is still virtually in the original condition. It displays corbelled corner turrets, stone cross windows covered with basket-handle arches, in which recessed fields decorated with Gothic tracery, and niches in the window mullions on the storey. The original sculptures, made in 1517 by Michiel Ywijns, have been removed from the niches and replaced by replicas by O. Wenckebach, which depict lords and ladies of Veere. A flight of steps from 1588, modified in 1749 in Louis XIV style, provides access to the main entrance, while in the bay to the right of the entrance section the window is flanked by two sculptures. The stair tower, built against the brick rear facade and belonging to the original plan, was partially demolished after 1591 and replaced between 1594 and 1599 by a slender upper structure, which was designed by Adriaen de Muer, native of Bruges. Under the balustrade caryatids, carved by Hans Halewijn; the spire completed with fine metalwork and weather vane. Carillon, of which 17 bells were cast in 1735 by P. van den Gheyn (VI), 9 by A.J. van den Gheyn 1790. Clock mechanism, 1594 and drum-playing mechanism from 1735. Hour clock P. van den Gheyn (II) 1594. Interior: The layout dates largely from 1699, when the four-corner hall was enlarged. Hall with simple panelling from 1701; the fine door knobs a gift from the king-stadtholder as marquis. Gothic fireplace in the four-corner hall with panelling from 1586, in 1699 expanded in the same style. Stone spiral staircase with Renaissance door frame. On the storey the council chamber, in which a fireplace with Gothic sides; the roof truss from 1696. Gothic fireplace in the secretariat. Moveable components of the inventory, which by virtue of origin and original purpose can be considered an indissoluble part of the town hall inventory: portrait of William III, by Johan van Haensberg, from 1780, and further portrait of William III with a view, presumably of Doesburg (second half of 17th century) and painting, memorial for Prince William I depicted (1584), a bailiff's bench with carved frame and carved work (17th century), two bronze little hands and a bronze little hand with hatchet (1551), a rod of justice, a wooden Justice statue (17th century), a peruke of the bailiff (18th century) in case of Cordovan leather, thief-catcher, fire irons, fetters and pillory inscriptions.