Jan Heyns

Who is Jan Heyns?

Johannes Heyns was a Flemish-Brabantic architect.

Originally from Brugge, Jan Heyns was active in 's-Hertogenbosch from 1495. There he became the architect in charge of building the St. John's Cathedral. The construction of the cathedral was then in full force. Under Jan Heyns' direction the chapel of the Illustrious Brotherhood of Our Blessed Lady, a society from 's-Hertogenbosch that was dedicated to the veneration of Saint Mary, was completed in 1496, and in 1505 the entire preceding roman church of St. John, excluding the tower, was demolished to make room for the nave of the new cathedral. As a reward for his service, Heyns was admitted to the Illustrious Brotherhood as a sworn-in brother. Only persons from the highest levels of society or persons that distinguished themselves were allowed to be sworn into the brotherhood.

Heyns' membership of the brotherhood meant that he belonged to the laity - though in the lowest rank - and he was thereby required to organize meals at his home for his fellow brothers.