It was founded in the 13th century by William II of Holland as "Onze Lieve Vrouwenkapel", and the white sandstone tower was added in 1520. After the Siege of Haarlem when 1500 soldiers were held here before being killed by the Spanish after their victory, the church was used to store turf for fifty years. Inscribed above the 1620 doorway on the north side is the Latin text .