Munnikenhof
History
't Munnikenhof in Grijpskerke in Zeeland was founded in the thirteenth century by the abbey lords of the Norbertine Abbey in Middelburg. The castle served as a country retreat for the aforementioned clergy and also for the reception of, for example, noble guests. Originally there were fruit orchards and vegetable gardens around the castle. In the 17th century, 't Munnikenhof came into the hands of Jacob Cats, the well-known poet and statesman. He wrote most of his poems here. Jacob Cats *) has also meant a lot for the development of the agricultural sector in Zeeland. He himself founded a farm on the grounds of 't Munnikenhof.
*) Voor those who can read it. A poen in an old Dutch language :
Het gevoel dat Jacob Cats eeuwen geleden over ’t Munnikenhof in dichtvorm vastlegde is nog onverkort van toepassing:
Ick had een buytenhuys niet verre van de stadt,
Daer ick en mijn gesin een wijl in stilte sat
Ick schoude stadts gewoel, en koos het eensaem velt,
Want daer was toen ter tijt mijn wesen naer gestelt
Om buyten alle sorg te sitten in het groen,
Oock als ik ledig was genegen iet te doen.
Ick las, ick dicht’, ick schreef, ick maeckte zinnebeelden,
Terwijl mijn kleyne jeugt omtrent de boomen speelden.
I had a country house not far from the city,
Where I and my family in silence site for a while
I get free from city bustle, and chose the quiet ,
Because at that time my life was needed it
To sit all morning, without any worries, outside in the green,
Even when idly for me was inclined.
I read, I made poems, I wrote and I imagine symbols,
While my little ones played around the trees.
Looks very enchanting. Never heard of this very important gentleman in Dutch history. Sad I couldn't read his poem. Thank you for sharing part of your heritage.
Prachtig gedicht, interessante info. Ik herinner mij dat mijn moeder het boek 'Sinne- en minnebeelden' had en dat ze daar graag uit citeerde. Geen idee waar het boek is gebleven. Jammer.
Ian