This route is one of the 42 stages of the Jacob van Lennep experience tour. A tour inspired by the journey that Van Lennep made through the Netherlands with his fellow student Van Hogendorp in 1823. Click here for an overview of all stages. Factories
On Thursday, July 24, Van Lennep and Van Hogendorp arrive in Deventer. They visit some relations and go to sleep at half past ten. The next morning they write from six to ten. Then a lawyer friend guides them through Deventer. They visit the town hall and an iron smelter whose raw materials are mined near Almelo. They also take a look at a factory where Smyrna carpets are made, which, according to Van Lennep, are "just as good as those of Smyrna itself".
Working Conditions
In the seventh TV episode, Geert Mak says that working conditions in 1823 were downright difficult. That is why many guest workers worked in the factories. Dutch city dwellers were often unable to cope with the heavy work because they were ill and/or malnourished. A stark contrast to the fitness that enabled Van Lennep and Van Hogendorp to run distances of 30 to 40 kilometers per day. The rich young men had good food to eat.
Characterization Overijssel
Deventer is the last stop in Overijssel. Van Lennep again gives a general impression of the inhabitants of this province. The people who live on the Zuiderzee"(...) have the character of coastal residents. Those who live more inland are more like the people of Drenthe\\\".