History – Quay 17 Brugge

A Rich and Diverse History

The building that now houses B&B Quay17 has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the late Middle Ages. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes and had multiple owners, each leaving their mark on the property. It has been home to brokers and innkeepers, a center for artisanal activities such as dyeing and textile processing, and later a brewery and textile factory. This variety of uses reflects the dynamic economic and social changes that Bruges has undergone throughout history. Traces of this long history are still visible, both above and below ground, contributing to the unique character of the building.

15th Century

Late Middle Ages

In the second half of the 15th century, the earliest known owners of the plots where B&B Quay17 is now located were innkeepers or brokers. The area included a house on the north side of Bezemstraatje, which was an important passage in the neighborhood. Next to the house was an “eester” or “heester,” a garden with fruit trees and other greenery. This combination of residential and horticultural land was typical of urban properties at the time.

16th Century

Crafts and Dyers

• Meestove and Dyers: In the second half of the 16th century, a “meestove,” a workshop for processing madder (a plant used for dyeing textiles), was established on the site. This workshop became a center for textile dyeing, where craftsmen produced dyes and treated textiles.
• Conversion to Garden: Over time, probably at the end of the 16th century, the “meestove” was converted into an “eester/heester,” returning the site to its previous use as a garden with trees and plants.
• Sale to Herman Bezoete (1567): In 1567, the garden was sold to Herman Bezoete, an influential Bruges resident who lived in Molenmeers. Bezoete was a wealthy businessman active in the glove makers’ guild and traded in various goods such as Scottish wool, salmon, leather, Bruges “saeyen” (fabrics), cork, and oats. His role in trade highlights the economic activities surrounding the property.

17th Century

The Closure of Bezemstraatje and Expansion of the Plot

• Closure of Bezemstraatje (1628): In 1628, Bezemstraatje was officially closed. The land from the closed street was sold in sections to surrounding residents, expanding the plot Bezoete had purchased earlier.
• Osten de Crits: New Owner and Builder: After the street’s closure, Osten de Crits became the new owner of the area. De Crits came from a prominent family of “blauwververs,” craftsmen specializing in dyeing textiles with blue dyes. The family was also known for their charitable work with the nearby St. Anne’s Church. Osten de Crits built the first house on the combined plots, laying the foundation for the current structure.

19th Century

From Residence to Brewery

• Brewery Den Hert (Late 19th Century): At the end of the 19th century, Brewery Den Hert was established on the property. This brewery, originally founded in 1580, moved to Sint-Annarei in 1886. It was taken over by Gustave Parmentier and in 1895 by the Strubbe family. In 1906, the brewery was run jointly by Strubbe and his son-in-law, Van de Plas-Strubbe. During this period, the brewery played a significant role in the local economy and production.

20th Century

Industrialization and Repurposing

• End of Brewing Activities (1921): In 1921, Brewery Den Hert ceased operations, and the building was subsequently used by textile companies such as Tricot VEM and later Textiel De Paepe. This repurposing reflected the broader industrial development in Bruges in the 20th century.
• Renovations and New Functions (1930s): In the 1930s, major changes were made to the property. The gate was widened and heightened to accommodate new business activities, and a garage was built on the site. However, some historical elements, such as the cellars from the old brewery, were preserved. The textile companies remained active until the 1960s.

Archaeological Finds and Traces

• Archaeological Excavations: Recent archaeological excavations in the area have uncovered traces of artisanal activities dating back to the 13th century. Dye vats were found, indicating the presence of dyers, further confirming the historical connection to textile crafts in this neighborhood. Additionally, structures such as cesspits and the foundations of old buildings have been uncovered, providing more insight into the long history of construction and artisanal activities on this site.