Topographic map of Haarlem. The city is located on the river Spaarne, giving it its nickname ‘Spaarnestad’ (Spaarne city). It is situated about 20 km (12 mi) west of Amsterdam and near the coastal dunes.
Who was involved in the Battle of Haarlem?
On 11 December 1572 the Spanish army besieged Haarlem; the city’s defenses were commanded by city-governor Wigbolt Ripperda. Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer, a powerful widow, helped defend the city together with some three hundred other women.
When did Haarlem gain the right to collect tolls?
In 1429 the city gained the right to collect tolls, including ships passing the city on the Spaarne river. At the end of the Middle Ages Haarlem was a flourishing city with a large textile industry, shipyards and beer breweries.
What rights did Haarlem have in 1245?
On 23 November 1245 Count Willem II granted Haarlem city rights. This implied a number of privileges, among which the right for the sheriff and magistrates to administer justice, instead of the Count. This allowed for a quicker and more efficient judiciary system, more suited to the needs of the growing city.
What happened to Haarlem during the Dutch Golden Age?
However, as shipping became increasingly important economically, the city of Amsterdam became the main Dutch city of North Holland during the Dutch Golden Age. The town of Halfweg became a suburb, and Haarlem became a quiet bedroom community, and for this reason Haarlem still has many of its central medieval buildings intact.
How did Haarlem become the richest city?
Haarlem became wealthy with toll revenues that it collected from ships and travellers moving on this busy north–south route. However, as shipping became increasingly important economically, the city of Amsterdam became the main Dutch city of North Holland during the Dutch Golden Age.
How did Haarlem get its coat of arms?
In 1219 the knights of Haarlem were laurelled by Count Willem I, because they had conquered the Egyptian port of Damietta (or Damiate in Dutch, present-day Dimyat) in the fifth crusade. Haarlem received the right to bear the Count’s sword and cross in its coat of arms. On 23 November 1245 Count Willem II granted Haarlem city rights.
What is the Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij?
The Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij (NHM or Dutch Trade Company) was founded by King Willem I to create employment opportunities. As one of the cities in the western part of the Netherlands with the worst economical situation, three cotton mills were created in Haarlem under the NHM-program in the 1830s.
