Erfgoed Delft

Delft's changeover to the rebel camp brought precarious times for the clergy. Military rebel leader, Willem van der Mark, Master of Lumey, was notorious for his violent conduct towards them. His victims such as the ‘Martyrs of Gorkum' are still known today. The then rector of the Agatha convent, Cornelius Musius also feared for his life. He went into hiding at friends and concealed valuable convent assets. Although somewhat reassured by the arrival of Orange in Delft, by 10 December 1572 Musius nevertheless attempted to flee to Amsterdam, then still catholic. On the way Lumey's cavalry intercepted him and brought him to Leiden where he suffered cruel torture. An accompanying messenger of William of Orange was unable to prevent his death, which happened in violation of William's authority. Musius was hung by order of Lumey. The violent conduct of this leader of the Sea Beggars threatened the coalition Orange was trying to hold together in the struggle against Philip II. Lumey was relieved of his position a few months after the death of Musius. Orange is said to have been deeply fraught by the vicious death of this last rector of the Agatha convent. Because Orange became resident here (with interludes until he died in 1584) the complex became known as ‘Het Prinsenhof', that is the Prince's Court.