Thorn, the white town, is a town in the province Limburg. The white town visited by many tourists has a rich history, dating back to the late 10th century. In the course of time developed a miniature principality headed by a noble convent abbess and 20 ladies. The state had its own law and currency. This ended In 1794 with the arrival of the French. Then Thorn became its characteristic white color. After the noble ladies fled, the French claimed a tax based on the size of the windows. The poor people, often living in large houses, formerly belonging to rich people, could not afford it. To adjust the height of the tax bill they bricked the windows. With the goal of hiding building tracks ("scars of poverty") the houses were whitewashed.