Rotterdam - Grote Kerk or St Laurenskerk

From Beursplein the Hoogstraat runs east and comes to a flight of steps. Here, many centuries ago, a dam was constructed on the Rotte in Rotterdam. Crossing the bridge and turning left, we come to one of the oldest parts of the town and one of the areas worst hit by the German bombing. Here, in Grote Kerkplein, is the Grote Kerk or St Laurenskerk, which dates from the 15th century (tower 1449, nave 1460, choir 1490; completed 1515). The church stands on very marshy ground, and even the heavy oak beams set at right angles to one another deep in the subsoil and the 4m/13ft thick foundations have been unable to prevent its 1.5m/5ft thick walls from developing a slight list. Around 1650 the tower began to tilt alarmingly, which led the