History of Tapijn B4 Gates and fencing

That building was originally separated from the rest of the barracks by a fence and had its own entrance on the park side. This was done to isolate the – possibly contagious – patients from the other soldiers.

The pylons are built up of cross-bond brickwork and they have a crown in the form of a crenelated decoration. On the north side of the barracks, the fence has disappeared. The two pylons at the entrance to the hospital are still there.

 The main entrance moved

The main entrance to the barracks was originally located on the corner of Prins Bisschopsingel and Sint-Hubertuslaan. Until 1967, Prins Bisschopsingel was a very quiet, almost park-like road. The opening of the Kennedybrug bridge in 1967 changed this completely and it became a very busy traffic route. The main entrance to the barracks was therefore moved a few dozen metres to Sint-Hubertuslaan.

On the parade ground near the monument to General Dibbets, there is a second gate. This was originally an exit to the training grounds in the Kommen across the road. Because crossing the road here after 1967 was no longer a safe option, a small tunnel was placed under the road when the Kennedy Bridge and Canal were built, in order to ensure access to the training grounds.

There are persistent rumours about a small gate in the fence along the river Jeker through which officers could go in and out, in particular in the evening and during the night, without passing the guard. At that gate, there was also a small bridge over the river Jeker.