#Story
Barracks at the Hagepoortplein
The former municipal orphanage once stood on this square. During the Second World War, the building was requisitioned by the German occupiers, forcing the orphans to leave. It was subsequently used as barracks.
In early April 1945, a public humiliation took place here: Dutch women accused of having relationships with German soldiers, known as “moffenmeiden”, were brought onto the steps to have their heads publicly shaved. Prince Bernhard, who had just arrived in Zutphen, heard of the event and intervened to put an end to the spectacle. After the war, the municipal orphanage fell into disrepair and was eventually demolished.