There is no map of Loevestein Castle in the Special Collections but this print, by Claes Jansz. Visscher, published in the year that Grotius was imprisoned there, shows just how immense the castle was and how it could be reached, by boat, from the small town of Gorinchem – Grotius received his books from here. Nowadays Loevestein Castle is located in the province of Gelderland but in 1619 it was in the province of Holland and was used as a prison, especially for political convicts. Many regarded Loevestein as a final destination and as such it was a major deterrent against political dissidence. C.J. Visscher (1587-1652), 't Huys te Lovensteyn, print, 1619 [COLLBN Port P 329 N 210]

But things could have been worse. Grotius’ mentor Oldenbarnevelt was sentenced to death, much to his own surprise. The sentence was carried out, by beheading, on 13 May 1619. This print by Claes Jansz. Visscher, a staunch Calvinist, is as politically motivated as the trial against Oldenbarnevelt and Grotius. The print shows the execution at the court of Holland – this and all the other buildings are explicitly identified: the court of Maurice, the court church and the great hall. All of these suggest authority and validity and support Visscher’s argument that this, as the title also states, is a lawful sentence and a lawful execution. C.J. Visscher (1587-1652), The execution of Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, print, 1619

This newsprint depicts Grotius and Rombout Hogerbeets, the former Pensionary of Leiden and another convicted Arminian supporter, being escorted to prison. They are surrounded by guards and the castle of Loevestein looms in the background. The description announces that the pair will serve ‘life imprisonment’. Despite widely held notions of Loevestein as a terrible fate for any man, Grotius was relatively comfortable at the prison. He had his own apartment and spent his days reading, writing, talking to Maria and teaching their young children. Esaias van de Velde, Grotius escorted to Loevestein, print, 1619-1621 [PK-P-110.954]

This is one of the books that Grotius worked on while at Loevestein Castle. In Bewys van den Waren Godsdienst Grotius discusses what it means to be Christian and why Christianity is the true religion that should be followed. The book opens with Grotius’ “Vermaninghe tot Vrede aen Alle Christenen”, in which he reflects on the virtues of Christians in comparison with other religions, and how this means that Christians should come together in peace. Grotius wrote the book in 1621, his last year in prison, and it was published a year later. Hugo de Groot, Bewys van den waren godsdienst, book, 1622 [THYSPF 2977]

This letter written by Grotius is addressed to Nicolaas van Reigersberch, his brother-in-law, who was a lawyer in the region of The Hague. Written on 22 February 1621, exactly a month before Hugo Grotius’ escape, it gives an insight into his life as a prisoner at Loevestein. The two men were often in correspondence, not only did Hugo request books or other literary works via Nicolaas, but as a lawyer he held a powerful position and acted as a connection to the outside world. The letter includes a request to Nicolaas to pass on a message to the States General. The message concerns rumours that were circulating about the alleged purchase of ropes, which were to be used in an escape. Grotius denies these claims, saying that many people could gain from these lies, and appeals to the States General that they listen to his defence. Grotius to Nicolaas van Reigersberch, letter, 22 February 1622 [PAP 2]

On March 22, 1621, Grotius managed to escape his lifelong prison sentence. Hidden in his book chest, he was carried out of the castle by unwitting soldiers and taken to Gorinchem. Once the chest had been delivered in Gorinchem, Grotius got out and, disguised as a mason, made his way to Paris, via Antwerp. A year later Grotius published a poem titled Silva ad Thuanum, in which he describes the escape and reveals that it was Maria who came up with the plan after noticing that the soldiers had stopped checking the book chest. Maria was not prosecuted for her role in Grotius’ escape and would soon follow her husband to Paris. Hugo de Groot, Silva ad Thuanum, book, 1621 [THYSIA 1390-2]

Benjamin Aubrey du Maurier, a Huguenot and the French ambassador to the States General of the Dutch Republic, was a good friend of Grotius. The diplomat was sympathetic towards the Armenian camp and had tried to prevent Oldenbarnevelt’s execution. Aubrey and Grotius wrote each other often, with obvious affection. This letter was written by Aubrey du Maurier on 28 March 1621, just six days after Grotius’ escape from Loevestein. The letter itself, written in French, shows just how quickly the news had spread and Aubrey du Maurier expresses his relief and joy that Grotius had been able to escape his imprisonment, offered by God and through peaceful means - without the need to break doors or locks. Aubrey du Maurier also writes that he had spoken to King Louis XIII and his ministers on Grotius’ behalf, to make sure that he would be accepted there as an exile. B. Aubrey du Maurier aan Grotius, 28 March 1621 [PAP 2]