Historical Streets: Werfstraat, Ankerstraat and Zeilstraat
In the heart of Scheveningen, where history greets you at every turn, the Zeilstraat, Ankerstraat, and a portion of Korensdijkstraat unveil a captivating scene. These picturesque streets, dating back to 1875, are adorned with characteristic fishermen's houses and charming alleys leading to intimate rear dwellings.
Along Zeilstraat and Ankerstraat, predominantly single-story buildings with pitched roofs dominate, occasionally punctuated by a unique presence of two-story structures with pitched or flat roofs. The streetscape is further enriched by historic street lamps, adding a touch of nostalgia to this picturesque setting.
A particularly quaint cul-de-sac, barely 40 meters long, is found near the Betje van Duijne courtyard at Werfstraat 36-50. Here, at the end of the courtyard, we step back in time with original fishermen's cottages at numbers 58-60 and 62-64. These dwellings, nestled against the historical core of Scheveningen village (Zeilstraat), exude the ambiance of bygone eras.
Originally, these houses were directly connected to Zeilstraat by a maze of pathways, spacious enough for carts transporting ship supplies and fish. Werfstraat 60, although not frequently mentioned in modern cadastres, originally had an entrance on Zeilstraat. Changes came with the arrival of the Kurhaus in 1886, the construction of the harbor in 1904, and urban developments that redefined the streets.
The courtyard, locally known as the courtyard of De Lange, extends as a side street from Werfstraat in The Hague (Scheveningen), opposite number 47. With a length of approximately 40 meters and buildings on both sides, this street offers an authentic experience. It lies in proximity to the Betje van Duijne courtyard, where time seems to stand still.
The courtyard of De Lange derives its name from Jan de Lange, a former sea fisherman who left his mark on Scheveningen. Born on September 27, 1891, and deceased on March 15, 1990, he resided at number 58 and ran a fish market there. After his death, his home was auctioned off, but his legacy lives on. You can still find a fish market named 'De Lange' at the end of Werfstraat, at Marcelisstraat 37-B.
Let yourself be enchanted by the timeless charm of Werfstraat, Ankerstraat, and Zeilstraat, where every stone tells a story and every street corner holds a piece of history.
