Wednesday, March 12, 2025Hello, all. This post is a hodgepodge of things about one of my favorite inventors, Cornelis Drebbel. Born in Alkmaar, Holland, but famous throughout Europe and the UK during the 1600s. Since I usually only post twice per week, we have both Whatnots and Doors.
Whatnot Wednesday
Cornelis Drebbel, c. 1631 Wikipedia (altered)I first “encountered” Cornelis Drebbel when a research tangent took me to a list of Renaissance Era alchemists, and I started investigating them individually. This is not going to be a full biography. Rather it’s just a few facts about an amazing inventor of long ago. Cornelis Jacobszoon Drebbel (1572-1633) was a Dutch engineer and inventor.
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Some of you already know about his inventions, but did you know that he began his work life as a painter, engraver, and cartographer? He was quite an artist. However, it seems that he was always in need of more money… which led to the inventions. Most notably, he was the builder of the first navigable submarine in 1620. This innovator contributed to the development of measurement and control systems, optics, and chemistry. Philosophy by Cornelis Drebbel 1597, Wikimedia CommonsIn 1598 he obtained a patent for a water-supply system and a sort of perpetual clock. In 1600, Drebbel was in Middelburg where he built a fountain (a fresh water supply) at the Noorderpoort in the Netherlands. In that area was known for making spectacles (eyeglasses). He may have picked up knowledge in the art of lens grinding there because later he constructed a “magic lantern” and a camera obscura.
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Around 1604 Drebbel and his family moved to England. He was accommodated at Eltham Palace, where he was attached to the court of young Renaissance crown-prince, Henry. Drebbel worked there at the masques, that were performed by and for the court. He astonished the court with a demonstration of a perpetual motion machine, automatic and hydraulic organs, and his optical Instruments.Drebbel’s Perpetual Motion Clock, Wikipedia
Cornelis had further adventures with his inventions at royal courts across Europe, but I’ll stop the biographical information here. If you want more try his Wikipedia page.
Thursday Doors
First, the photo below is of a random National Heritage Site in Alkmaar, Holland, the city of Drebbel’s birth. I had to find at least one image that showed a true door.
A National Heritage Site in Alkmaar Holland Wikimedia
As far as I can tell, there isn’t a museum specifically dedicated to Cornelis Drebbel. However, his inventions and life are reportedly (I couldn’t verify) explored through exhibits at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport in England. Also, a replica of his submarine displayed near Richmond Bridge in London. Here are some “doors” related to the places mentioned above.Noorderpoort in 1722 (artist unknown) Wikimedia Commons
I love the arched windows and entryways in the drawing above. Below is a school in modern-day Noorderpoort. The doors are industrial looking, but I like that series of round windows on the ground floor.
Noorderpoort school 2025, Wikipedia
Eltham Palace (below) dates to medieval times, but it was restored in the 1930s. It’s complete with moat and gardens.
Eltham Palace, Wikipedia
Here’s a detail of an entrance.
Eltham Palace entrance WikimediaThat’s plenty for now. You might be hearing more about Cornelis Drebbel, or at least my fictional version of him, in the near future. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs!
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NOTE: WordPress removed the formatting– the breaks between paragraphs, making it harder to read. I’ve just tried to fix their handiwork, but they just crammed text even closer together. Now I’ve tried to trick their gremlins… Thanks for bearing with this post.
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I must include the obligatory shameless self-promotion.
Real Steampunkery Tech: True Contraptions of the Steam and Diesel Eras
Thursday Doors is a weekly feature allowing door lovers to come together to admire and share their favorite door photos from around the world. It’s hosted by Dan Antion. Feel free to join in on the fun by creating your own Thursday Doors post each week and then sharing your link in the comments below, anytime between 12:01 am Thursday morning and Saturday noon (North American eastern time).
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No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author, or used with permission, or from free sources.
You were the person who introduced me and many others to Cornelius Drebbel. What an amazingly brilliant man who thought outside of the box. Like Robbie, I’m surprised he isn’t better known for his inventions. He should be. I love Eltham Place.
It is kind of strange. People have developed fascinations with other inventors (Nikola Tesla, Bell, as well as historic figures who were also inventors (di Vinci, even Mark Twain though his inventions are little known), but not Cornelis. From my research, I expect Cornelis had a big personality, so it’s puzzling. Thanks for visiting, Jennie. I appreciate you. Hugs.
Fascinating information, Teagan. A man of so many talents! Eager to see your fictional version of him. Great doors, too. I’m a fan of the rounded ones too. Xo
Thanks for opening this door, Denise. Yes, he was. The novel is now in the hands of KDP/Amazon publishing. During the past year and a half, it takes them a lot longer… Hopefully they don’t put me through hell the way they did with Real Steampunkery Tech. Fingers crossed. Happy Caturday. Hugs.
Hi Teagan, I am amazed that Cornelis Drebbel isn’t better known for his inventions. I am also amazed he was tried for witchcraft given the time he lived when the witch trials were in full swing. I’ve been reading about them and it was a very bad time for unusual and clever people.
Hi, Robbie. I’m I would be very surprised too, because I’ve never seen any mention of that ever happening to Cornelis Drebbel, or even anything connecting him to witchcraft in any way.
I hope you’re doing well. take good care of you. Hugs.
HI Teagan, I read your second comment first. I have been reading about how witches (male and female) were identified and charged and that is why it was on my mind. Inventions and progressive thinking were identifying factors in witch hunts.
Yes, that does make sense. I am reading a book called Something Wicked about the development of witch prospection law in the UK which led, ultimately, to the witch trials. It’s fascinating.
Still, the doors to the future that Cornelius opened with his inventions are more exciting. They are doors that open and open and open. In a sense they never close.
Okay, bug higs to you and the Scoobies!
Yes, I saw the type O – supposed to be big hugs, and that’s what I mean, but somehow bug higs just tickled my fancy!
Haha, oh yes. It’s on the way. 😉 I loved the (not included in my post) photos of the palace gardens. Those set my imagination whirling. Thanks for reading and commenting, Darlene. Hugs.
Hi Teagan. You know I love Cornelis Drebble as depicted in your stories and a post about him is most welcome for Thursday Doors. I love the drawings, photos and images, as well as learning more about the inventor himself. Without people like Cornelis, this world would have taken much longer to get to the comfortable place we’re in. Whether it’s a whatnot or a door, I’m happy to read about this man and the period in which he lived.
I really enjoy your hard work to bring us the Art of Science, which was truly amazing throughout history. My Human Design archetype is Alchemist and strangely enough I worked in the measurement sciences R&D for many years. C. Drebbel contributed not only to the advancement of science through his inventions, he advanced the arts and combined them in harmonious ways. Oh, the doors he must have travelled through during his lifelong endeavors.
That was beautifully put, Daniel. The few of his inventions that I’ve seen (photos) looked like works of art too. Haha, those doors included a few jail cells when he took his inventions to the royal courts of other countries. I gather that he couldn’t keep his mouth shut when he was out and about. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
The mind of scientists and inventors always amaze me, Teagan. If it were up to me inventing things, this world would be a pretty sad place. I’m glad there are people with such brilliant minds. And speaking of alchemy, if you have not watched “A Discovery of Witches” on Netflix, it is a series you would probably enjoy.
I love the architecture of old – there is so much character that modern buildings today seem to lack. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Mary. Yes, I watched several episodes (maybe a season) of that show a couple of years ago. I liked it, but the politics of that “world” became tiresome — as happens for me with most sci-fi or fantasy shows. I don’t remember alchemy being part of it, but as I said that was a couple of years ago.
Many people now lump the idea of alchemy with witchcraft and occult, particularly after centuries past when those in charge began claiming that anything scientific, female oriented, or unknown was considered “witchcraft”. However, alchemy was the predecessor of chemistry and alchemists were early chemists and scientists. Have a good rest of the week.
Thanks, John. The pictures of the gardens really did make that easy to imagine. I should have included some of those. I appreciate you opening this door. Hugs.
Thanks, GP. (Snort!) You just made me imagine Cornelis on the Delta Pearl. A recipe for disaster if ever there was one. Hahahaha.
I appreciate you opening this door. Hugs.
Hi, Luisa. There were a lot of interesting details about him that I didn’t mention. Those details paint quite a picture. I imagine an acerbic wit, some in-your-face type of rebelliousness, and a bit of charmer/con-man, combined with genius. Haha, in other words often difficult to get along with, yet somehow likeable. Kind thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
It’s the second time I read a post about Drebble in so many days, Tegan. I remember your stories and his part in some of them, so I’m looking forward to hearing more. Wonderful post and doors, Teagan! Big hugs and love to the Scoobies!
Now I’m curious. I must see if I can find that post.
I loved your video post yesterday. Thanks for visiting. Hugs winging back to you from the Scoobies and me.
I expect that life around him was rarely dull. LOL.
I’m breathing easier yesterday and today, although the big winds are due back Thursday and through the weekend. (eye roll) It’s our windy season, and like all the other seasons, the wind/weather is… well, extreme is a new normal. I’m happy you enjoyed the post. Hugs.
Teagan's Books 
You are always welcome dear Teagan. Have a wonderful week ahead 💖💖💖💖
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I love the drawings! And thank you for the education. As for WordPress, we need an invention to cope!
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Ha! Indeed we do, Maureen. It was giving me fits yesterday, just trying to do a very simple post… I’m happy you enjoyed this. Hugs.
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You were the person who introduced me and many others to Cornelius Drebbel. What an amazingly brilliant man who thought outside of the box. Like Robbie, I’m surprised he isn’t better known for his inventions. He should be. I love Eltham Place.
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It is kind of strange. People have developed fascinations with other inventors (Nikola Tesla, Bell, as well as historic figures who were also inventors (di Vinci, even Mark Twain though his inventions are little known), but not Cornelis. From my research, I expect Cornelis had a big personality, so it’s puzzling. Thanks for visiting, Jennie. I appreciate you. Hugs.
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My pleasure, Teagan. It is strange that he didn’t get the same recognition. Hugs!
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Teagan you are so creative and splendid doors too. Have a wonderful weekend ❤️❤️
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Thank you kindly, Kamal. A splendid weekend to you as well. Hugs.
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Fascinating information, Teagan. A man of so many talents! Eager to see your fictional version of him. Great doors, too. I’m a fan of the rounded ones too. Xo
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Thanks for opening this door, Denise. Yes, he was. The novel is now in the hands of KDP/Amazon publishing. During the past year and a half, it takes them a lot longer… Hopefully they don’t put me through hell the way they did with Real Steampunkery Tech. Fingers crossed. Happy Caturday. Hugs.
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Hi Teagan, I am amazed that Cornelis Drebbel isn’t better known for his inventions. I am also amazed he was tried for witchcraft given the time he lived when the witch trials were in full swing. I’ve been reading about them and it was a very bad time for unusual and clever people.
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Hi, Robbie. I’m I would be very surprised too, because I’ve never seen any mention of that ever happening to Cornelis Drebbel, or even anything connecting him to witchcraft in any way.
I hope you’re doing well. take good care of you. Hugs.
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HI Teagan, I read your second comment first. I have been reading about how witches (male and female) were identified and charged and that is why it was on my mind. Inventions and progressive thinking were identifying factors in witch hunts.
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Yes, I know they did that. It was a horrible part of history, and it often feels we are on the way back to it.
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Yes, in America
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I think I understand your comment now. He was working under the patronage of kings during most of his inventions, so he had protection.
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Yes, that does make sense. I am reading a book called Something Wicked about the development of witch prospection law in the UK which led, ultimately, to the witch trials. It’s fascinating.
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Very impressive doors! Cornelius Drebbel is such great name. I hadn’t heard of him before.
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Thanks, Liz. Hugs.
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You’re welcome, Teagan.
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I would love to own that clock! And what an interesting character Cornelius Drebbel was.
I also really like the design of that palace. (K)
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The clock is amazing. Hugs.
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Thank you, Tegan!
This is so interesting. Love the history.
I love that you added photos of actual doors.
Still, the doors to the future that Cornelius opened with his inventions are more exciting. They are doors that open and open and open. In a sense they never close.
Okay, bug higs to you and the Scoobies!
Yes, I saw the type O – supposed to be big hugs, and that’s what I mean, but somehow bug higs just tickled my fancy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! Hugs winging back to you, Resa. 🐛🐜🐞🕷🐝🐝
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I’ll take those hugs, and I’ll also take the bug higs you’ve included!
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Cornelis Drebbel sounds like a fascinating person. I’m sure he’ll show up in some of your stories, if he hasn’t already. I love Eltham Palace!
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Haha, oh yes. It’s on the way. 😉 I loved the (not included in my post) photos of the palace gardens. Those set my imagination whirling. Thanks for reading and commenting, Darlene. Hugs.
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What a neat history. The restored palace and drawing are lovely.
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The sketch was a great and unexpected find, Deborah. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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Hi Teagan. You know I love Cornelis Drebble as depicted in your stories and a post about him is most welcome for Thursday Doors. I love the drawings, photos and images, as well as learning more about the inventor himself. Without people like Cornelis, this world would have taken much longer to get to the comfortable place we’re in. Whether it’s a whatnot or a door, I’m happy to read about this man and the period in which he lived.
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Thanks so much, Dan. I’m happy that my version of Cornelis has a friend in you. Big hugs.
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I really enjoy your hard work to bring us the Art of Science, which was truly amazing throughout history. My Human Design archetype is Alchemist and strangely enough I worked in the measurement sciences R&D for many years. C. Drebbel contributed not only to the advancement of science through his inventions, he advanced the arts and combined them in harmonious ways. Oh, the doors he must have travelled through during his lifelong endeavors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was beautifully put, Daniel. The few of his inventions that I’ve seen (photos) looked like works of art too. Haha, those doors included a few jail cells when he took his inventions to the royal courts of other countries. I gather that he couldn’t keep his mouth shut when he was out and about. Thanks for opening this door. Hugs.
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LOL! Me and Mr. Drebbel had a lot in common when it comes to bloviating a bit too profusely. Lucky for me, I’ve never been run out of town.
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The mind of scientists and inventors always amaze me, Teagan. If it were up to me inventing things, this world would be a pretty sad place. I’m glad there are people with such brilliant minds. And speaking of alchemy, if you have not watched “A Discovery of Witches” on Netflix, it is a series you would probably enjoy.
I love the architecture of old – there is so much character that modern buildings today seem to lack. Thanks for sharing.
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Hi Mary. Yes, I watched several episodes (maybe a season) of that show a couple of years ago. I liked it, but the politics of that “world” became tiresome — as happens for me with most sci-fi or fantasy shows. I don’t remember alchemy being part of it, but as I said that was a couple of years ago.
Many people now lump the idea of alchemy with witchcraft and occult, particularly after centuries past when those in charge began claiming that anything scientific, female oriented, or unknown was considered “witchcraft”. However, alchemy was the predecessor of chemistry and alchemists were early chemists and scientists. Have a good rest of the week.
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Woncerful history snipet on Cornelis Drebble.
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Thanks, Tim. Wishing you an easy coast down the other side of this midweek hump. Hugs.
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Another fascinating post, Teagan. Cornelis was a man ahead of his time. Elthham Palace looks like a lovely place. to hang out and invent things.
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Thanks, John. The pictures of the gardens really did make that easy to imagine. I should have included some of those. I appreciate you opening this door. Hugs.
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His inventions line up perfectly with your clockwork fantasies.
Outstanding doors!
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Thanks, GP. (Snort!) You just made me imagine Cornelis on the Delta Pearl. A recipe for disaster if ever there was one. Hahahaha.
I appreciate you opening this door. Hugs.
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The information about Cornelis Drebbel are really interesting… and your photos are fabulous!
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Hi, Luisa. There were a lot of interesting details about him that I didn’t mention. Those details paint quite a picture. I imagine an acerbic wit, some in-your-face type of rebelliousness, and a bit of charmer/con-man, combined with genius. Haha, in other words often difficult to get along with, yet somehow likeable. Kind thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs.
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I am the one who should be thanking you also for your precious reply, dear Teagan!
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It’s the second time I read a post about Drebble in so many days, Tegan. I remember your stories and his part in some of them, so I’m looking forward to hearing more. Wonderful post and doors, Teagan! Big hugs and love to the Scoobies!
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Now I’m curious. I must see if I can find that post.
I loved your video post yesterday. Thanks for visiting. Hugs winging back to you from the Scoobies and me.
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Fascinating chap ol’Dreebble 🙂 and great doors too. Hope you are on the mend now Teagan.
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I expect that life around him was rarely dull. LOL.
I’m breathing easier yesterday and today, although the big winds are due back Thursday and through the weekend. (eye roll) It’s our windy season, and like all the other seasons, the wind/weather is… well, extreme is a new normal. I’m happy you enjoyed the post. Hugs.
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I have told you many times, I love your creative mind.
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Thanks for your kind words, Cindy. Hugs.
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