Murder in the Beguinage
An interactive discovery of the historical beguinage of Lier
Wezenstraat - Begijnhofstraat (Orphans Street - Beguinage Street)
[Next: 4 Orphan Street or click any picture]
History
This place was once the main entrance for the beguinage. House number 2, "Portieressenhuis" (the Portress House) was used to get access to the beguinage by night, only as an exception and after approval from the portresses.
These portresses were responsible for the closing of the four gates. Since a few years, however, the gates stay open even at night.
Murder tip
The old Ms. Adams lives in the house number 2. She spends her days watching people as they pass by here. As her window is open, you can have a talk with her.
"Yes, a certain Mr. Michael Jacobs has already told me what happened. You know what? I think I know who did it. There is a story here..."
"Ms. Adams, I am glad to hear that my assistant Michael has already spoken with you. I would be most happy to know who you suspect and why, but please keep it serious. This is a murder case."
"Yes, I realise that", she answers, a bit upset by your interruption, "now what I wanted to tell you is that the poor girl was not really what you call an angel. She had some enemies, most of them because of reasons that have to do with money. She seemed to be in constant need of it."
"Last year, for example, when she was still a student, she borrowed a rather large sum of money from Anna. Now Anna is not rich either--paintings don't earn you more than a living."
"Then, there is her dispute with Paula, about the rent of her room in the Vest Sleeve Street. I myself once rented a room there, and you know what? Never had troubles with Paula. But I always paid just in time!"
"Thanks, Ms. Adams. If you remember anything else, please tell Michael,", you say when you leave the former portress house.