Waterslootpoort

Watersloot poort was Delft's main gate on the west side, just beyond Binnenwatersloot. One of the largest and strongest gates in the United Provinces, it served as a main gate for road and water traffic in and out of the west side of Delft. The main building was protected by canals and a draw bridge. Overland traffic and produce brought in by small ships were checked and taxed here. From 1536 onwards it housed the Hoge Vierschaar (High Courts) of Delfland, the towers serving as prison. New Court premises, arching over the central entrance, were built 1593. The gate has been completely demolished.

To the right top an engraving from the Kaart Figuaratief project of 1678. Below a colour image of a painting by Pierre Tetar van Elven, painted in 1848 (the year in which the Watersloot gate was demolished). Private collection. It was exhibited in 1848 at the Amsterdam Arti et Amicitiae club. Oil on canvas, 82 x 100 cm., signed Pierre Tetar van Elven. Collection Janneke Ekkelenkamp.

This page forms part of a large encyclopedic site on Delft. Research by Drs. Kees Kaldenbach (email). A full presentation is on view at johannesvermeer.info.

Launched 16 February 2005; Last update March 1, 2017. More info in the RKD site.