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Exclusive Dive into Amsterdam History: 18th-Century Citizen's Oath
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Discover a rare and authentic piece of Dutch history with this beautiful, handwritten Burgher's Oath from Amsterdam, dated in the 18th century. This unique document is tangible proof of the life and rights of a citizen (burgher) in the historic city of Amsterdam during a flourishing period of its existence.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, there was a clear distinction between an "inhabitant" and a "burgher" of a city with city rights, such as Amsterdam. Only burghers could hold certain offices, become members of influential guilds (essential for most professions), and enjoyed privileges such as exemption from tolls within Holland. Obtaining burghership was a formal matter, confirmed by the "Mayors and Regents of the City of Amsterdam" and recorded in a burgher book and on such a document.
This document represents an important social and economic status from that time and offers a fascinating insight into the urban structure of yesteryear.
Product details
- Title: Original Burgher's Oath of Amsterdam
- Date: October 20 (1784?)
- Format: Printed form with handwritten entries and a blind seal
- Condition: Very good, considering its respectable age of almost 300 years
- Origin: Directly related to the administration of the Amsterdam City Archives
- Dimensions: 20 by 15.5 cm
You swear that you will be a good and faithful Burgher of this City, obedient to the Mayors and Regents in due time, you will willingly participate in Watch, Guard, and other Protections and burdens of this City, you will warn this good City of any evil you perceive, and you will, to the best of your ability, promote and assist in all prosperity, both with counsel and deed; and furthermore, you will do and refrain from doing everything that a good Burgher is obliged to do and refrain from doing.
So truly may Almighty God help you.