Town Hall, Delft

In 1618 The old City Hall of Delft burned down. That was a bad thing. A good thing was Hendrik de Keyser, Dutch Mannerist architect and sculptor was found across the Market Square. He was working on the tomb of William the Silent in the New Church. Before the ashes were cool, he was asked to design a replacement city hall.

The Gothic belfry tower was spared by the fire. Built in the 13th century, its ornate clock faces were installed in 1536 by Hendrick van Trier and Francois Hemony. It is faced with Wallonia limestone and is commonly called "The Stone." Only the tower of the Town Hall escaped the fire. It was used as a prison. It is a museum of prison artifacts today.

William of Orange, founder of the royal House of Orange, was assassinated in 1584 in his residence at the Prinsenhof by Balthasar Gerard, an operative of the King of Spain. Gerard was captured and held in the tower prison. He was later executed after being tortured. All this violence in the name of religion.

Herndrik was able to focus his efforts on the hall proper. He chose a Renaissance style. Since 1618 the building has been changed several times. It was restored to Hendrik de Keyser's original style in the 20th century. The Town Hall now houses the offices of the Delft city council. It is still today a venue for civic wedding ceremonies.