The orphan relief

It commemorates the orphanage founded shortly after the Reformation in 1546/1547, which was one of the city's first social institutions.

After a terrible famine caused by an icy cold winter and a subsequent food shortage, many people had to feed on tree bark and grass. Plagues spread. Many children lost their parents and were left destitute. The situation was not only dramatic in Lübeck.

The Lübeck welfare institution was initially set up in Mühlenstraße. In 1557, it moved to the Michaeliskonvent building. Children from the age of 8 who were born in wedlock and had two intercessors were admitted. They were taught there and usually stayed until their confirmation. The children wore a traditional costume bearing the cross of St. Michael's Convent.