The New Church is, of course, best known for William of Orange’s mausoleum. But there are a number of other epitaphs and memorials in the church for less well known Dutch figures, and they are worth a look too.

Royalty
Besides William of Orange, five members of the Royal Family have been given their own memorials here: Stadholder William V, his son William George Frederik, William Alexander Ernest Casimir (the son of King William II), King William I and his eldest daughter Paulina.

German memorial
Paulina was originally buried in Germany, but her grave was forgotten and fell into disrepair. When it was rediscovered in 1911, Queen Wilhelmina (Beatrix's grandmother) quickly had Paulina moved to the New Church. Her grave stone - with its German inscription - came with her.

Respectful
Hugo de Groot, the man who managed to escape from the heavily guarded Loevestein castle, is also buried in the New Church. He lies close to Prince Maurits, who had him imprisoned. The black and white marble mausoleum is a respectful memorial to this intelligent legal expert.

Curious?
It is said that only the most inquisitive people should approach the memorial closely, as the last bit of the inscription reads: ‘Avoid this gravestone: De Groot lies buried here, thou who does not flush with a craving for knowledge and love of freedom.'

Timeline »

Close timeline ×
UA-28388632-1