Old Windmill Site -- Koepelgevangenis, Breda

'Koepel' = a cupola, or dome
'Gevangenis' = prison  ('vangen' = 'to catch', not only the bad guys but anything that can be caught -- fish, social welfare, a ball)
The main jail area is under a dome and you can see it behind these gates.

The Koepelgevangenis in Breda was built between 1882 and 1886.  It is most famous for having been the prison where three WW2 war criminals were incarcerated.  In 2013, it was closed as a prison, and the locals rose up in protest, and even the mayor of Breda was sorry to see it go.  Since then, it has been used for 'Prison Escape' team games.  Today, though, it is being prepared to house refugees from Ukraine.  I saw the posters outside and I think it is a good step.  They can be together in a larger space, and it is close enough to the city centre if people want to go out.  Of course, it might feel funny for some, but I can assure you that it is a very safe place.  The entire property is listed as a Cultural Heritage Site. Not by UNESCO but by the provincial and national government.

Now here's the thing -- an old windmill used to stand just a bit to the right of this shot, close to the gate tower.  That location is actually only an estimate based on old maps and records.  It was built in 1682 and then moved in 1710 to another location, Effen, just outside the city but still falling within its jurisdiction.  Eventually, though, it was torn down in Effen and has not been rebuilt since then.  I'll have to research on Effen to find out more, but that will be for another time, and I am seriously thinking of cycling to the village to look for the spot there.

Indeed, glorious bicycle weather today.  Did some housework first, and some gaming, then time to go out.  In the evening, AW went to his Monday live bridge session as usual, and I did more housework while he was out, mostly in the kitchen.

Thank you for all the stars for my grandchildren!  They are lovely and usually well-behaved, but it is also good to know how to keep them occupied, something their granddad is very good in.  I'm just good for cuddles and pictures.  :D))