's-Hertogenbosch - Zwanenbroederhuis

To the northeast of the Cathedral is the Zwanenbroederhuis, a white building which is the headquarters of the Illustre Lieve Vrouwe Broederschap or Zwanenbroederschap (Illustrious Confraternity of Our Lady or Confraternity of Swans), said to have been founded in 1318. Although it was originally a Roman Catholic society, it began to admit Protestants (among them William I) after the Reformation. The name Confraternity of Swans comes from the practice, dating back to the 14th century, of serving swans at an annual ceremonial banquet on the fourth Thursday in October. Since 1629 the confraternity has consisted of 36 members, 18 Catholics and 18 Protestants. The membership of this select club now includes five members of the royal family.