The murder

It is Tuesday, July 10, 1584: the sound of three gunshots fills the Prinsenhof in Delft. Balthasar Gerards fires a pistol at William from close range. Two of the three bullets hit their target. The so-called Father of the Fatherland is 51 years old and probably dead on impact.The murder sceneAfter the ban on the Roman Catholic religion in Delft in 1572, all monasteries had to close. The buildings became the property of the city. Part of the St. Agatha monastery—now known as the Prinsenhof—became William's court and headquarters. From there, he led the Revolt. When William wanted to walk up the stairs to his office on that famous Tuesday, the assassin appeared.

The assassin

Balthasar Gerards gains trust in Delft as a Protestant Calvinist. He waits for his chance near the stables of the Prinsenhof. When the prince walks upstairs, Balthasar emerges. From close range, he fires the fatal shots: two of the three bullets hit William in the chest. After the attack, his escape fails, but the goal has been achieved.

The murder weapon

The ‘wheel lock pistol’ is a new invention in the 16th century. You wind it up with a key and then carry it loaded. William has the dubious honor of being the first political leader to meet his end with this ultra-modern firearm. The actual murder weapon is destroyed immediately after the murder. In the exhibition, you can see a similar wheel lock pistol from the 16th century.