Standbeeld gebroeders De Witt, South Holland Province, The Netherlands

4Robert O 5:00 PM Jul 7, 2017

Dutch Republicans lynched by a mob
De Witt brothers were victims of one of the most cruel political assassinations in Dutch history. They were killed by a mob in the center of the Hague and literally butchered. Body parts like fingers, ears, tongues, noses and toes were sold as trophies. Their hearts were made part of a public exhibition. The murder was instigated by the Prince of Orange who wanted to restore hereditary rule of his family. His plot was successful and his family is still the supplier of the Dutch heads of state. One of the brothers, Johan de Witt led the Council governing the Dutch republic during its heydays in the mid 17th century. He was Raadspensionaris (comparable to a present-day President) for 19 years. Under his leadership the seven provinces flourished and eventually achieved the status of a world power. This statue of the brothers is in Dordrecht not by coincidence and not in the Hague at the site where they were murdered. In the Hague statues of the Orange royals dominate the scene, though there is a bronze of Johan. 'Orange Boven' is still shouted by the people to express their affiliation to the present-day monarchy, though the second part of the slogan: de Witt under seems to be conveniently forgotten.

3Eline v 5:00 PM Jul 12, 2017

History of Dordrecht
When interested in the history of Dordrecht, one will inevitably come across the De Witt-brothers, who played an important role in the 17th century. Unfortunately there wasn't a sign with their story when I visited and my memory completely failed me when I was asked to explain their importance.