Rules of the Begijnen

In 1393, Albrecht van Beyeren drew up a number of rules for the Begijnen:

  • It is not allowed to leave the Court without leave of absence
  • At 9 o’clock in the evening every begijn has to be in in her own home,
  • At 10 o’clock the lights must be switched off,
  • Her robe and household goods must be modest,
  • Keeping of dogs and roosters is not allowed
  • And ‘little boys’ over 3 years old are not allowed to enter the Begijnhof.
  • One can only become a Begijn if one has lived at the Begijnhof for 18 months.

These rules were only to preserve peace, suitability and good order among the residents.

In later years rules were made like the Daily order of Begijnen, see picture.