Why revive the famous Civic Guard of Amsterdam?

Why the civic guard of the Nightwatch of Amsterdam (anno 1394) should be reinstated.

Preface

Dear reader,

We all need to feel a sense of belonging, to form a bond with the community we live in. Here in Amsterdam, a city with a rich history to be proud of, we need and want to take a real part in life around us.

Certainly, people want to contribute to positive progress in their city, building relationships between people to form a vibrant, mixed community. And it can be done, together with others who share such interest, through an historic “militia” whose roots go back to 14th century Amsterdam – the Civic Guard (or 'Schutterij' as it's called in Dutch).

Rich in colourful tradition and, even now, single-handedly responsible for a significant part of Amsterdam’s international image as well as for tens of millions of euros in city revenue, this important institution has lain dormant since being disbanded over 100 years ago.

Look at any other major city or historic area in Europe and you can see evidence of what is currently happening - a highly-active revival of historic marksmanship organisations and guilds with around six million members (source: EGS) The motivation is the same – people of all ages, religions and colour wanting to build a better society for themselves and others. A sense of pride in their community is one of the main facets of the ceremonial militia groups who believe also that eating and drinking together helps this aim.

And spectacle! Imagine the Museum Square in Amsterdam filled with over 10,000 militiamen from all over Europe in a fantastic display of living history – waving banners, historic uniforms, ancient weaponry including rifles, crossbows, axes and canons, music and royal figures. All this set against the background of the Rijksmuseum with the Night Watch. A pageant of colour paying tribute to the return of their most famous militia ever, the Civic Guard of Amsterdam and its three guilds: the Handbow, the Crossbow and the Rifle. This could happen every September on the first Sunday after St Lambert’s Day. This is the Amsterdam Schutterfeest, a festival dating back to the 14th century.

It can, and will, happen again because the militiamen have finally awoken. In a few years time, you will be able to witness one of the most significant events of your life…. the resurrection of the Schutterij – the Civic Guard of Amsterdam.

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Rob van der Meer
Initiator of the Militia continuity of Amsterdam