The Varreput at the counter, near the Thick Tower, has been dug to flush the fabrics. The fabrics were then stretched out in the surrounding streets to dry on 'windows'. The name Raamstraat is a reminder of this.

In addition to the privilege of 1305, the cloth industry was protected by a ban on the import of foreign sheets. An exception was made for transit to Norway, Prussia and elsewhere, provided the fabric could be dyed, shaved or stretched in Zierikzee. The cloth industry flourished mainly in this area of the city. The Varreput is the last remnant of this. In the water
the sheet was rinsed and in the nearby Raamstraat were the cloth windows
lined up.

Later the Varreput got the function of fire pit, water reservoir and watering place for horses and cattle.