1649- Guardians-criminal

Dear Anne, this act made Simon Mesch and Govert Rots, notaries, guardians for Dieuwertje Wijbrants who had behave badly (quaet regiment); no specification is given. Diewuertje can only act legally with explicit consent of her guardian. They can annull any action to the contrary by her. The decision was announced with ringing of the large city bell. Simon Mesch is mentioned here because he received an official task from the city Delft.

Dear Otto

That's absolutely fascinating! 

It makes you wonder what Dieuwertje could have done that warranted such action? 

with many thanks as always.

Anne

Dear Anne,

The expression 'criminal' should be taken in a broad sense. Given the context, the focus of the inhibitions and the fact that 'regiment' is a synonym for 'management', I think the most likely scenario is that Dieuwertje was found unable to properly manage her finances and therefore was put under the guardianship of notary Simon Mesch; the note in the left margin indicated that Simon Mesch passed away ('obiit') and his tasks were passed on to his colleague Govert Rota.

Dear Rene

Thanks for your extra explanation; that makes more sense. I looked up Dieuwertje in Delft archives. She wrote many wills, and had remarried Pieter Janzn Bishop in 1603, so I'm guessing she was perhaps in her 70's by 1649. Both her husband and son were deceased by 1645. She died in 1657.

Yes Simon Mesch died in 1654. He was Barbara Rotteveel's husband. If you remember you helped me with translations of Simon and Barbara's will, written at home while he was 'sick lying in bed'. The notary was Govert Rota, who I've since discovered was related to Simon through marriage to one of Simon's step-sisters from the de Graeff family. 

It was just the description of the large city bell being rung to announce this decision to provide guardianship for Dieuwertje that sounded very serious. But perhaps that's how things were done in those days?

warmest best wishes

Anne