I’m in tears… look at her…
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Batenburg, the Netherlands
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Fluweelengrot (Velvet cave) in Valkenburg, the Netherlands
Labyrinth by mining
Marl was mined from the cave by block breakers for use as a building stone in the construction of edifices like Valkenburg Castle. The result of this marlstone mining is an extensive labyrinth of old and rugged passageways.
Secret passageways
In times of siege, the secret passageways, which were only discovered in 1937, allowed the knights and their footmen to escape the castle and attack the enemy from behind or secretly bring supplies in. One legend tells of the Brabanders (natives of Brabant) who, laying siege to Valkenburg, could not understand why celebrations were still being held inside the castle walls even after a long period of siege. Little did they know that the troops inside were being supplied via the secret passageways… from Brabant, where the siege armies would soon discover that their lands had been plundered in their absence!
Shelter
During the Second World War, the Velvet Cave served as a shelter for the residents of Valkenburg. In September 1944, after six days of heavy fighting, Valkenburg was liberated by the Americans. Roughly 600 locals stayed inside the Velvet Cave during these days. The Velvet Cave also served as a field hospital for the American soldiers. Following liberation, several American soldiers visited the Velvet Cave during their non-duty hours.
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“Los Hoes” from Harreveld, the Netherlands - circa 1773
In this “Los Hoes”, “aisled” or “open homestead’, the occupants lived together with their livestock in a single large room, in which cooking was done over an open fire. At the back of the farmhouse were deep-litter stalls in which cows and pigs were kept. The façade at the front of the building is a half-timbered structure, with clay used to fill the panels.
Many small farmers from the sandy regions of the Netherlands were unable to make a living from farming alone. In the side rooms of this farmhouse you will therefore find a weaving room containing two looms. These were used to try and generate a little extra income.
This small farmhouse catches your eye as soon as you enter the museum, mainly because of its beautiful blue colour, which was supposed to keep flies away from the farmhouse.
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Reitdiephaven, the Netherlands
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Teteringen, the Netherlands
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Jachthuis Wouwse Plantage in Wouw, the Netherlands
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