Het Anker

At the beginning of the 15th century, the beguinage of Mechelen had a strong presence in the town. The beguinage possessed an important “hospital” which was located at the present brewery. Some of the buildings date from the 15th and 16th century.

In 1471, Charles the Bold decided that “the beguines and officers” shouldn’t pay any exices and taxes on the beer brewed for the hospital.

The family Van Breedam bought the brewery in 1872 and modernized it with a steam boiler. The love for his profession and the fascination of the family Van Breedam in the heyday of Mechelen during the reing of the Dukes of Burgundy, are the foundations of the return to traditions and the brewing of special beers.

In 1990, Charles Leclef, fifth generation of the Van Breedam family took over the brewery and modernized the brew equipment.

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Het Anker