"Millyard"

In this area Gouda was established when in the 12th century a fortification was built on a motte (hill). At the east a large farm with residential buildings, granaries and stables were constructed and on the west side of the motte an early castle was erected. The Lords of Gouda owned the grounds. The early castle’s family chapel was the predecessor of the current Saint John’s church. Surrounding this early settlement Gouda developed. The fortification on the hill was the safe ground during floods and in wartime, later in the 12th century the inhabitants started with the construction of dykes to protect the land from the water from rivers Gouwe and Hollandse IJssel. The Lords of Gouda reigned until 1296. They were probably affected and maybe involved in the assassination of Count Floris V, which lead to the downfall of their house. In 1304 the motte-and-bailey castle was destroyed, probably due to war activities. Nevertheless over time new houses were built at this spot. It is very likely a mill was constructed as well but this mill was again demolished in 1368, because it could no longer catch enough wind due to the many surrounding houses and buildings. The name of the street however still remains ‘Molenwerf’, Millyard.

The Moat, the water originally surrounding the fortification can still be recognized when walking in the ‘Molenwerf’.