PH

Piet Hein / Piet Heyn (1577-1629). Born in Delfshaven the son of a herring ship owner. According to local historian Van Bleijswyck he was "one of the most outstanding and famous burghers". An admiral in 1626, he conquered the Spanish 'Silver Fleet' in 1628.

He sailed for the West India Company (WIC), a counterpart to the famous multinational stock owned semi-political institution, East India Company (OIC). Seafarer, and 'sea hero', he became famous for his capture of the Spanish silver fleet valued (then) at 15 million Dutch guilders.

See http://www.xs4all.nl/~fvjole/archief/ph/phbio.html

In a startling dec. 2003 publication, Delft archive director Gerrit Verhoeven succeeded in pinpointing the actual house he inhabited. It was a large rented place (thus not a place he owned, which is why it has escaped the attention of all historical researchers up to now). This is now known. From 1631 onwards his widow lived at Oude Delft 171, a major building costing a rental of 350 guilders per year. Undoubtedly the couple had lived there for many years. The present day location is used by a plumbing company.

He received a state funeral; his large grave monument (erected after 1638) is in the Oude Kerk.

Top: Portrait of Pieter Pietersz Heyn, painting by Jan Daemen Cool, copyright Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

In 1629 the heirs of Pieter Cornelisz. Heijn sold a house on Afrol im Delfshaven for 450 guilders, but despite the enticing date this proves to be another individual.

Note. Gerrit Verhoeven in Delf / Delf Actueel Nieuws, vol 4, 2003, with ill. of the facade. Note. Van der Aa, Biographisch Woordenboek IX, p. 410-411. In general books were a costly possession. A Vignola book on perspective was amongst the estate of book trader Margaretha Huybrechts. Afrol in GAD Camer van Charitate, arch 447; 367 /57 fol 2.

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.