Infirmerie

This room is located on the ground floor of the Infirmary building, and is accessible to wheelchairs.

A little history

This room is part of the Infirmary building. From way back, this complex, which was similar to a hospital, was one of the important components of the Flemish Beguinages which usually go back to the 13th to 14th century. Most of the patients were sick and infirm Beguines, but women from the city who lacked the means of subsistence were apparently also looked after there. The Infirmary complex was closed off from the other sections of the Beguinage, and had its own entrance. It was a completely self-supporting institution: farms, forests, agricultural land, a dairy, a bakery and a cheese dairy all belonged to the Infirmary. The main source of income, however, was bequests and legacies. Everything was managed by two infirmary mistresses, who submitted accounts at regular intervals to the prioresses and the pastor. In the Infirmary room were 13 alcoves where patients were looked after. The roof truss which is now exposed dates, like the room itself, from the mid-16th century.

Setup facility