De voormalige hoeve Handel

Around 1965, Handel lost a landmark structure in every respect. Handel (in medieval times Haanlo) passes for the oldest property of the Teutonic Order in Gemert. The Handel farmstead must have existed as early as 1200. Its territory comprised almost the entire present-day village centre of Handel. The Teutonic Order founded a chapel near the farm in 1220, which grew into the present-day church of Handel. The farm Handel was initially exploited by the Teutonic Order itself, but as early as 1364, the farm was leased out. The Gemert Commandery of the Teutonic Order continued to own the farmstead until all its property was confiscated by the French in 1795. Afterwards, the farmstead remained part of the Gemert castle estates. In 1925, the farmstead came into private ownership. Over the centuries, the Handel farmstead grew into a prominent farmhouse. The main building was an L-shaped farmhouse. The living area also contained a café cum lodge for Handel pilgrims. Together with two large barns, it enclosed a rectangular yard, which was accessible through three brick entrance gates. The old Handel farm had to make way for new buildings on Onze Lieve Vrouwenstraat nos 38 to 42a. The Teutonic Order also founded on its territory in Handel the farms De Duitse Meester, Het Zwart Kruis and the Virmundtse Hoeve.

External link to extensive information on the Handel farm