In the Middle Ages the narrow Langebrug (‘Long Bridge’) was an important canal called Voldersgracht. This name refers to the fulling of woven fabrics. During the night naked fullers stamped for hours with their bare feet on woollen cloth in large tubs containing a stinking mash. The smell was so bad because there was urine in the mash. As a result of fulling, the fabric became matted and nicely even.

In the 17th century bit by bit Voldersgracht was covered by stone vaults until by the end of the century no open water could be seen. The canal had been turned into one long bridge, and that was the name it was given. In 1956 it was finally filled in.

Several prominent painters lived on Voldersgracht. At the corner of Schoolsteeg stands the house in which Jan van Goyen (1596-1656) was born. Jacob van Swanenburgh, who gave Rembrandt van Rijn his first lessons in painting, lived at Langebrug 89. Jan Steen (1626-1679) lived for a while between no. 91a and 89, and opened a tavern here.

The gate on the right led to the Penshal. There offal (tripe, liver, kidneys, udders) was sold under municipal supervision.