The Old Town Hall
The town hall was founded in 1463 as a courthouse - after the burning down of the first St. Peter's Church. Oirschot already had the right to its own jurisdiction at that time. It was rebuilt in 1513 after a fire.
On May 8, 1513, the entire village council of Oirschot appointed a committee that was commissioned to build a new town hall with a covered market hall on the ground floor. This space, nowadays called the Council Cellar, often serves as a wedding location.
The village councils meet there for meetings and to make decisions. A small court was also formed with a 'pillar' and three prisons cells in case the detainee refused to pay his fine. One of these cells - a wooden cell - stands in the attic of the building.
The appearan…
The town hall was founded in 1463 as a courthouse - after the burning down of the first St. Peter's Church. Oirschot already had the right to its own jurisdiction at that time. It was rebuilt in 1513 after a fire.
On May 8, 1513, the entire village council of Oirschot appointed a committee that was commissioned to build a new town hall with a covered market hall on the ground floor. This space, nowadays called the Council Cellar, often serves as a wedding location.
The village councils meet there for meetings and to make decisions. A small court was also formed with a 'pillar' and three prisons cells in case the detainee refused to pay his fine. One of these cells - a wooden cell - stands in the attic of the building.
The appearance of the old town hall has changed several times over the centuries through maintenance and restoration, even though little money was often available for this. The building was plastered in 1862.
A major restoration took place in 1937. The plaster on the outside was removed and notice boards were placed. Before that time, so-called princes announced the latest decisions and regulations to the Market. This often happened on Sunday mornings when Holy Mass was over and the people were leaving the church. The broadcast always concluded with the cry: 'Spread the word! Spread the word!
After the construction of the new town hall, the building was given various destinations. Nowadays the tourist information point of Visit Oirschot is located here. You are very welcome to take a look inside during opening hours; Our employees are happy to show you around this beautiful building.
