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)