Poorterbrief 1694 Amsterdam
Poorterschapsbewijs (certificate of citizenship) Antonis Boudos Grootsman, 1694. With signature L. van Loon.
*Only citizens (poorters) could hold public office or become members of a guild – a prerequisite to practising most trades and professions. Orphaned children whose parents had been citizens were eligible for admission to the Municipal Orphanage (Burgerweeshuis). Few certificates of citizenship have survived.
(source: Stadsarchief Amsterdam)