Weesp: fortified city with a turbulent history
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Together with Naarden and Muiden, Weesp completes a 'fortress triangle' that formerly protected the wealthy Amsterdam.
The fortified city of Weesp has a turbulent history. In 1355, William of Bavaria grants the count of Holland rights to the city of Weesp. The city lies at a strategic point along the border with Utrecht and is given a rampart of earth and wood. From this moment on, Weesp enjoys a long period of prosperity.
In 1508, the troops of Gelderland plunder Weesp. The city is then rebuilt with a protective stonewall. Weesp develops into a stronghold for alcoholic beverages: beer, brandy and gin are either brewed or distilled here on a large scale.
After the French siege of 1672, the city of Weesp has ambitious plans for a new fortress. Eight bastions were to be built, which would protect the town from all sides. Due to a lack of money, however, only four bastions were actually realized. By the lay of the canal and the Herensingel, you can still see where the four unfinished bastions would have been.
In the nineteenth century, Weesp forms part of the New Dutch Waterline. In 1861, a bombproof tower is added to the Ossenmarkt. This fort guarded the railway between Hilversum and Amsterdam and secures the Vecht in the direction of Muiden. Between 1892 and 1922, the Defense Line of Amsterdam left Weesp compartmentalized. On the eve of World War II, several group shelters are built in the bunkers of the bastions. You still run into these today as you walk along the green ramparts.
The fortified city of Weesp has a turbulent history. In 1355, William of Bavaria grants the count of Holland rights to the city of Weesp. The city lies at a strategic point along the border with Utrecht and is given a rampart of earth and wood. From this moment on, Weesp enjoys a long period of prosperity.
In 1508, the troops of Gelderland plunder Weesp. The city is then rebuilt with a protective stonewall. Weesp develops into a stronghold for alcoholic beverages: beer, brandy and gin are either brewed or distilled here on a large scale.
After the French siege of 1672, the city of Weesp has ambitious plans for a new fortress. Eight bastions were to be built, which would protect the town from all sides. Due to a lack of money, however, only four bastions were actually realized. By the lay of the canal and the Herensingel, you can still see where the four unfinished bastions would have been.
In the nineteenth century, Weesp forms part of the New Dutch Waterline. In 1861, a bombproof tower is added to the Ossenmarkt. This fort guarded the railway between Hilversum and Amsterdam and secures the Vecht in the direction of Muiden. Between 1892 and 1922, the Defense Line of Amsterdam left Weesp compartmentalized. On the eve of World War II, several group shelters are built in the bunkers of the bastions. You still run into these today as you walk along the green ramparts.
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