The Jean Pesynhof in Leiden

Address

Kloksteeg 21, 2311 SK Leiden

Founded

1683, by Jean Pesyn and Maria de Lannoy

Built

1683–1686

Purpose

Twelve small houses for members of the Walloon Church

The Jean Pesynhof at Kloksteeg 21 is one of the thirty-five hofjes — almshouses built around an enclosed courtyard — that Leiden still has today. It was founded in 1683 by Jean Pesyn and his wife Maria de Lannoy (read more about the founders). The hofje is also written as Hof van Jean Pesijn, Jan Pesijnshof or Jean Pesijnhofje.

The family originally came from Wallonia and fled to the Northern Netherlands from the Spanish, Catholic troops. At the start of the seventeenth century many Flemings and Walloons came to Leiden; the city expanded on its north side to house them, in the district later known as the Walenbuurt (Walloon quarter) — today’s Noordvest.

Among the refugees were many skilled textile workers and entrepreneurs, which benefited the city. Leiden had been weakened by war and disease after the Spanish siege of 1573–1574; the newcomers gave a fresh impulse to the wool industry and, with it, to the city’s economy.

Read on about the residents of the past, the hofje today, the regents’ room and the Pilgrim Fathers, or explore the history of Leiden’s hofjes and the walking tour.