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<!-- Name and transliteration --> |
<!-- Name and transliteration --> |
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| name = Bergen op Zoom |
| name = Bergen op Zoom |
||
| settlement_type = [[List of |
| settlement_type = [[List of cities in the Netherlands by province|City]] and [[Municipalities of the Netherlands|municipality]] |
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<!-- Images, nickname, motto --> |
<!-- Images, nickname, motto --> |
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| image_skyline = Bergen op zoom 001.jpg |
| image_skyline = Bergen op zoom 001.jpg |
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| shield_size = 100x80px |
| shield_size = 100x80px |
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| shield_alt = |
| shield_alt = |
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| ⚫ | |||
<!-- Maps, coordinates --> |
<!-- Maps, coordinates --> |
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| image_map = Map - NL - Municipality code 0748 (2009).svg |
| image_map = Map - NL - Municipality code 0748 (2009).svg |
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| ⚫ | |||
| map_alt = Highlighted position of Bergen op Zoom in a municipal map of North Brabant |
| map_alt = Highlighted position of Bergen op Zoom in a municipal map of North Brabant |
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| map_caption = Location in North Brabant |
| map_caption = Location in North Brabant |
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| pushpin_map = Netherlands#Europe |
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| pushpin_map_caption = Location within the Netherlands##Location within Europe |
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| pushpin_relief = 1 |
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| coordinates = {{coord|51|30|N|4|18|E|region:NL|display=inline,title}} |
| coordinates = {{coord|51|30|N|4|18|E|region:NL|display=inline,title}} |
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| coordinates_footnotes = |
| coordinates_footnotes = |
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|title = Burgemeester |
|title = Burgemeester |
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|trans-title=Mayor |
|trans-title=Mayor |
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|language = |
|language = nl |
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|publisher = Gemeente Bergen op Zoom |
|publisher = Gemeente Bergen op Zoom |
||
| |
|access-date = 21 April 2014 |
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|url-status = dead |
|url-status = dead |
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| |
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140422232424/http://www.bergenopzoom.nl/Gemeenteraad/Wie_zitten_er_in_de_gemeenteraad/Voorzitter/Burgemeester |
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| |
|archive-date = 22 April 2014 |
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}}</ref> |
}}</ref> |
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| governing_body = [[Municipal council (Netherlands)|Municipal council]] |
| governing_body = [[Municipal council (Netherlands)|Municipal council]] |
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| leader_party = [[Christian Democratic Appeal|CDA]] |
| leader_party = [[Christian Democratic Appeal|CDA]] |
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| leader_title = [[ |
| leader_title = [[Burgomaster|Mayor]] |
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| leader_name = |
| leader_name = Frank Petter |
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<!-- Geographic information --> |
<!-- Geographic information --> |
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| unit_pref = Metric |
| unit_pref = Metric |
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| Line 52: | Line 55: | ||
|url = http://www.ahn.nl/postcodetool |
|url = http://www.ahn.nl/postcodetool |
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|title = Postcodetool for 4611AR |
|title = Postcodetool for 4611AR |
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|
|language = nl |
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|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |
|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |
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|date = |
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|work = Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland |
|work = Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland |
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|publisher = Het Waterschapshuis |
|publisher = Het Waterschapshuis |
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| |
|access-date = 21 April 2014}}</ref> |
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| elevation_m = 10 |
| elevation_m = 10 |
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| elevation_max_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags --> |
| elevation_max_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags --> |
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| footnotes = |
| footnotes = |
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}} |
}} |
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| ⚫ |
[[File:BergenopZoom-plaats-OpenTopo.jpg| |
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'''Bergen op Zoom''' ({{IPA-nl| |
'''Bergen op Zoom''' ({{IPA-nl|ˌbɛrɣə(n) ɔp ˈsoːm|-|176 Bergen op Zoom.ogg}};{{efn|''Zoom'' in isolationis {{IPA-nl|ˈzoːm|}}.}} called ''Berrege'' {{IPA-all|ˈbɛrəɣə|}} in the [[Brabantian dialect|local dialect]]) is a [[List of cities in the Netherlands by province|city]] and [[Municipalities of the Netherlands|municipality]] in the Southwestern [[Netherlands]]. It is located in the [[Provinces of the Netherlands|province]] of [[North Brabant]], at the provincial border with [[Zeeland]]. In January 2021, the municipality had a population of 67,514. |
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== Etymology == |
== Etymology == |
||
The city was built on a place where two types of soil meet: sandy soil and marine clay. The sandy soil pushed against the marine clay, accumulating and forming hills over several centuries. People called those hills the ''Brabantse Wal'', literally meaning "ramparts of Brabant". ''Zoom'' refers to the border of these ramparts and ''bergen'' in Dutch means mountains or hills. The name has nothing to do with the little channel, the |
The city was built on a place where two types of soil meet: sandy soil and marine clay. The sandy soil pushed against the marine clay, accumulating and forming hills over several centuries. People called those hills the ''Brabantse Wal'', literally meaning "ramparts of Brabant". ''Zoom'' refers to the border of these ramparts and ''bergen'' in Dutch means mountains or hills. The name has nothing to do with the little channel, the Zoom, which was later built through Bergen op Zoom. |
||
==History== |
== History == |
||
[[File:Map of Bergen op Zoom (Blaeu).jpg|thumb|left|Bergen op Zoom in 1649. Note marshes (left, top right), canalized diversion of the [[Scheldt]] and extensive fortifications.]] |
[[File:Map of Bergen op Zoom (Blaeu).jpg|thumb|left|Bergen op Zoom in 1649. Note marshes (left, top right), canalized diversion of the [[Scheldt]] and extensive fortifications.]] |
||
| ⚫ | [[File:BergenopZoom-plaats-OpenTopo.jpg|thumb|left|Topographic map of Bergen op Zoom, March 2014]] |
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Bergen op Zoom was granted [[City rights in the |
Bergen op Zoom was granted [[City rights in the Low Countries|city status]] probably in 1212. In 1287 the city and its surroundings became a [[Lord|lordship]] as it was separated from the lordship of [[Breda]]. The lordship was elevated to a [[lords and margraves of Bergen op Zoom|margraviate]] in 1559. Several noble families, including the [[House of Glymes]], ruled Bergen op Zoom in succession until 1795, although the title was only nominal since at least the seventeenth century. |
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During the [[Early modern Europe|early modern period]], Bergen op Zoom was a very strong fortress and one of the main [[Armory (military)|armories]] and [[arsenal]]s of the [[Dutch Republic|United Provinces]]. It had a remarkable natural defensive site, surrounded as it was by marshes and easily flooded [[polder]]s. Furthermore, it could receive reinforcements and supplies by sea, if the [[Siege|besieging]] army did not have a fleet to blockade its port. |
During the [[Early modern Europe|early modern period]], Bergen op Zoom was a very strong fortress and one of the main [[Armory (military)|armories]] and [[arsenal]]s of the [[Dutch Republic|United Provinces]]. It had a remarkable natural defensive site, surrounded as it was by marshes and easily flooded [[polder]]s. Furthermore, it could receive reinforcements and supplies by sea, if the [[Siege|besieging]] army did not have a fleet to blockade its port. |
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Due to these features, the city was one of the strategic points held by the Dutch during their revolt in the [[Eighty Years War]], beginning in the late sixteenth century. It was at that time besieged by [[Alessandro Farnese, Duke of Parma and Piacenza|Alessandro Farnese]] [[Siege of Bergen-op-Zoom (1588)|first in 1588]], and by [[Ambrosio Spinola, marqués de los Balbases|Ambrosio Spinola]] [[Siege of Bergen op Zoom (1622)|a second time in 1622]]. Both sieges were unsuccessful, and Bergen op Zoom got the nickname ''La Pucelle'' or ''The Virgin'' as it was never successfully taken in a siege. |
Due to these features, the city was one of the strategic points held by the Dutch during their revolt in the [[Eighty Years War]], beginning in the late sixteenth century. It was at that time besieged by [[Alessandro Farnese, Duke of Parma and Piacenza|Alessandro Farnese]] [[Siege of Bergen-op-Zoom (1588)|first in 1588]], and by [[Ambrosio Spinola, marqués de los Balbases|Ambrosio Spinola]] [[Siege of Bergen op Zoom (1622)|a second time in 1622]]. Both sieges were unsuccessful, and Bergen op Zoom got the nickname ''La Pucelle'' or ''The Virgin'' as it was never successfully taken in a siege. |
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In 1747, during the [[War of the Austrian Succession]], the [[French Army|French army]] [[Siege of Bergen op Zoom (1747)|laid siege]] to the city. Bergen op Zoom had been fortified by new works built |
In 1747, during the [[War of the Austrian Succession]], the [[French Army|French army]] [[Siege of Bergen op Zoom (1747)|laid siege]] to the city. Bergen op Zoom had been fortified by new works built at the beginning of the 17th century by [[Menno van Coehoorn]], with three forts surrounding the city and a canalized diversion of the [[Scheldt]] acting as a ditch around its walls. However, it had no second line of fortifications, nor any [[Fortification|fortress]]. After seventy days of siege, the city was taken and thoroughly [[Looting|sacked]]; the garrison was slaughtered. |
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During the [[War of the |
During the [[War of the Sixth Coalition]], the town was [[Siege of Bergen op Zoom (1814)|again besieged]] by the British in March 1814 in a failed attempt to dislodge the French garrison. |
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===Trading town=== |
===Trading town=== |
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During the reign of Jan II van Glymes (1417–1494), nicknamed "Jan metten Lippen" (meaning "Jan with the big lips", probably caused by an infection), a surge in economic growth occurred in the city. Large fairs were held twice a year, in spring and fall, that were known both nationally and internationally. Merchants from all over Europe came to Bergen op Zoom to sell their goods. |
During the reign of Jan II van Glymes (1417–1494), nicknamed "Jan metten Lippen" (meaning "Jan with the big lips", probably caused by an infection), a surge in economic growth occurred in the city. Large fairs were held twice a year, in spring and fall, that were known both nationally and internationally. Merchants from all over Europe came to Bergen op Zoom to sell their goods. |
||
Because of this major economic growth, the Sint-Gertrudischurch was enlarged. The enlargement was called the ''Nieuw Werck'' but was never finished, because of the economic recession of the mid-16th century. It fell into |
Because of this major economic growth, the Sint-Gertrudischurch was enlarged. The enlargement was called the ''Nieuw Werck'' but was never finished, because of the economic recession of the mid-16th century. It fell into ruin. The economic recession was largely caused by the poor accessibility of the port, due to a number of floods in Zeeland and West-Brabant. Because of the great reliance on the port, the economic growth received a major blow. In addition, the modernization of trade techniques, such as establishing of a permanent stock exchange instead of the fairs, which took place twice a year, also damaged the local economy. |
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The fairs continued until 1910. Despite the end of the two big fairs, Bergen op Zoom still hosts all kinds of smaller fairs and events. |
The fairs continued until 1910. Despite the end of the two big fairs, Bergen op Zoom still hosts all kinds of smaller fairs and events. |
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In 1972, the Protestant community, after the loss of many members, gave the Sint-Getrudischurch to the Catholic parish. Since the return of the Church, Catholic services have been held here again. |
In 1972, the Protestant community, after the loss of many members, gave the Sint-Getrudischurch to the Catholic parish. Since the return of the Church, Catholic services have been held here again. |
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As a result of [[Turks in the Netherlands|Turkish]] and [[Moroccans in the Netherlands|Moroccan]] immigration to The Netherlands, the city has a significant Muslim minority.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Statistiek |first=Centraal Bureau voor de |date=2016-12-22 |title=Helft Nederlanders is kerkelijk of religieus |url=https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/nieuws/2016/51/helft-nederlanders-is-kerkelijk-of-religieus |access-date=2023-11-19 |website=Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek |language=nl-NL}}</ref> |
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==Population centres== |
==Population centres== |
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==City of Bergen op Zoom== |
==City of Bergen op Zoom== |
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<gallery mode="packed"> |
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[[File:Bergen op zoom 008.jpg|thumb|right|[[Gevangenpoort (Bergen op Zoom)|Gevangenpoort]], the oldest monument in Bergen op Zoom]] |
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File:Bergen op zoom 008.jpg|Gevangenpoort, the oldest monument in Bergen op Zoom |
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File:Bergen op zoom 005.jpg|Grote Markt |
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File:Bergen op Zoom, Sint Gertrudiskerk foto2 2010-09-11 09.11.JPG|[[Gertrudiskerk]] |
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File:Bergen op Zoom, fontein en brug in Anton van Duinkerkenpark foto6 2015-05-24 10.54.jpg|Bergen op Zoom, fountain and bridge in park |
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File:The Marketplace in Bergen op Zoom E11381.jpg|''The Marketplace at Bergen op Zoom''. Attributed to Abel Grimmer, 1590s. National Gallery of Art, Washington.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Collection: The Marketplace in Bergen op Zoom|url=https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.57418.html|url-status=live|access-date=24 July 2021|website=National Gallery of Art|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803084641/https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.57418.html |archive-date=2020-08-03 }}</ref> |
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</gallery> |
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The Markiezenhof Palace, built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, houses a [[Cultural center|cultural centre]] and a museum with a picturesque courtyard, paintings, period rooms, and temporary exhibitions. |
The Markiezenhof Palace, built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, houses a [[Cultural center|cultural centre]] and a museum with a picturesque courtyard, paintings, period rooms, and temporary exhibitions. |
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| ⚫ | [[SABIC]] Innovative Plastics operates a major manufacturing facility in Bergen op Zoom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=6441056|title=SAIC Innovative Plastics B.V|publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]|access-date=2015-03-10}}</ref> [[Philip Morris International|Philip Morris]] was another major employer until it closed its plant in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303532704579480981958225764|title=Tobacco Firm Philip Morris to End Production in Netherlands|publisher=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=2015-03-10|date=2014-04-04}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ |
[[SABIC]] Innovative Plastics operates a major manufacturing facility in Bergen op Zoom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=6441056|title=SAIC Innovative Plastics B.V|publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]| |
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==Transport== |
==Transport== |
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*[[Bergen op Zoom railway station]] |
*[[Bergen op Zoom railway station]] |
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== |
== Notable people == |
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[[File:Portrait of Jacob Obrecht (incl. frame).jpg|140px|thumb|Jacob Obrecht, 1496]] |
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Bergen op Zoom has housed many artists. Some of them are, in chronological order: |
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[[File:Holbein-erasmus.jpg|140px|thumb|Erasmus, 1523]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
[[File:Willeboirts bosschaert zelfportrait.jpg|140px|thumb|Willeboirts Bosschaert, 1637]] |
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| ⚫ | *[[Desiderius Erasmus]] (1466–1536) humanist, philosopher, author |
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=== The arts === |
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*[[Abel Grimmer]] (1570–1619) artist |
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| ⚫ | * [[Jacob Obrecht]] (1457–1505) composer, mainly of sacred music |
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*[[Gerrit Houckgeest]] (1600–1661) painter |
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| ⚫ | * [[Desiderius Erasmus]] (1466–1536) humanist, philosopher, author<ref>{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Erasmus,_Desiderius |volume=9 |short=x}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | |||
* [[Abel Grimmer]] (1570–1619) a Flemish late Renaissance painter, mainly of landscapes |
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*[[Margo Scharten-Antink]] (1868–1957) novelist |
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* [[Gerrit Houckgeest]] (1600–1661) a [[Dutch Golden Age]] painter of architectural scenes and church interiors |
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| ⚫ | |||
* [[Bartram de Fouchier]] (1609–1673) a [[Dutch Golden Age]] painter |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | * [[Marcus Zuerius van Boxhorn]] (1612–1653) historian, author and scholar |
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*[[Adriaan Ditvoorst]] (1940–1987) film director, screenwriter |
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* [[Thomas Willeboirts Bosschaert]] (1613–1654) a [[Flemish Baroque painter]] |
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* [[Pieter van der Willigen]] (1634–1694) a [[Flemish Baroque painter]] |
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* [[Govert-Marinus Augustijn]] (1871–1963) a Dutch [[Art Nouveau]] potter |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | * [[Anton van Duinkerken]] (1903–1968) a Dutch poet, essayist and academic |
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* [[Louis Boekhout]] (1919–2012) a Dutch painter who emigrated to Québec, Canada |
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* [[Pleuni Touw]] (born 1938) a Dutch film, television and theatre actress<ref> [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0869777/ IMDb Database] retrieved 07 October 2019 </ref> |
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* [[Adriaan Ditvoorst]] (1940–1987) a Dutch film director, screenwriter<ref> [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0228597/ IMDb Database] retrieved 06 October 2019 </ref> |
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* [[Cornald Maas]] (born 1967) a Dutch television presenter |
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* [[Martin Fondse]] (born 1967) a Dutch pianist and composer who plays the vibrandoneon |
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* [[Bob van Luijt]] (born 1985) a Dutch technology entrepreneur, technologist and new media artist |
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* [[Julia Boschman]] (born 2002) a Dutch singer in famous girl group K3 |
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=== Public thinking and public service === |
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* [[Pieter Gerardus van Overstraten]] (1755–1801) last [[Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies]] |
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* [[Gerrit Verdooren van Asperen]] (1757–1824) vice-admiral of the [[Royal Netherlands Navy]] |
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* [[Jacob Van Braam]] (1729–1792) a soldier of fortune, swordmaster and mercenary.<ref>{{Cite Americana|wstitle= Van Braam, Jacob |volume= XXVII |short=1 }}</ref> |
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* [[Gillis Pieter de Neve]] (1823–1883) commander of the [[Royal Netherlands East Indies Army]] |
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* [[Albert Vogel]] (1874–1933) a Dutch Army officer and teacher |
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* [[Peter Sitsen]] (1885–1945) a military officer, building contractor and public servant in colonial Indonesia |
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* [[Ed Nijpels]] (born 1950) a retired Dutch politician |
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* [[Virginie Korte-van Hemel]] (1929–2014) a Dutch politician |
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* [[Bernard de Wit]] (born 1945) a Dutch theoretical physicist and academic |
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* [[Paul Schnabel]] (born 1948) a Dutch sociologist, academic and politician |
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* [[Wim Crusio]] (born 1954) a Dutch behavioral [[neurogeneticist]] and academic |
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* [[Fatma Koşer Kaya]] (born 1968) a Dutch lawyer and politician of Turkish origin |
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=== Sports === |
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==International relations== |
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[[File:Rico-verhoeven.jpg|140px|thumb|Rico Verhoeven, 2009]] |
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{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in The Netherlands}} |
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* [[Reindert de Favauge]] (1872–1949) a sport shooter, competed at the [[1908 Summer Olympics|1908]] and [[1920 Summer Olympics]] |
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* [[Henk Kersken]] (1880–1967) a sailor who competed at the [[1928 Summer Olympics]] |
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* [[Barent Momma]] (1897–1936) a modern pentathlete, competed at the [[1924 Summer Olympics]] |
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* [[Willem van Rhijn]] (1903–1979) a modern pentathlete, competed at the [[1928 Summer Olympics|1928]] and [[1932 Summer Olympics]] |
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* [[Janus van der Zande]] (1924–2016) a marathon runner, competed in the [[1952 Summer Olympics]] |
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* [[Maarten Sikking]] (1948–2009) a field hockey goalkeeper, competed at the [[1972 Summer Olympics|1972]] and [[1976 Summer Olympics]] |
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* [[Rico Verhoeven]] (born 1989) a kickboxer |
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==Twin towns — sister cities== |
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{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in the Netherlands}} |
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Bergen op Zoom is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Stichting Jumelage Bergen op Zoom|url=https://www.jumelagebergenopzoom.nl/|publisher=Stichting Jumelage Bergen op Zoom|language=nl|access-date=2024-06-15}}</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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| ⚫ | |||
|- valign="top" |
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| ⚫ | |||
| |
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* {{flagicon|CAN}} [[Edmonton]], [[Alberta]], [[Canada]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
|} |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Crusio (ice cream parlor)]] |
* [[Crusio (ice cream parlor)]] |
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* [[Merck toch hoe sterck]] |
* [[Merck toch hoe sterck]] |
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==Notes== |
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{{notelist}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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* Edler, Florence. ''Attendance at the Fairs of Bergen-Op-Zoom 1538–1544''. Bergen op Zoom: [s.n.], 1936. |
* Edler, Florence. ''Attendance at the Fairs of Bergen-Op-Zoom 1538–1544''. Bergen op Zoom: [s.n.], 1936. |
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* Smyth, James Carmichael. ''Plans of the Attacks Upon Antwerp, Bergen-Op-Zoom, Cambray, Peronne, Maubeuge, Landrecy, Marienbourg, Philippeville and Rocroy, By the British and Prussian Armies in the Campaigns of 1814 and of 1815''. 1817. |
* Smyth, James Carmichael. ''Plans of the Attacks Upon Antwerp, Bergen-Op-Zoom, Cambray, Peronne, Maubeuge, Landrecy, Marienbourg, Philippeville and Rocroy, By the British and Prussian Armies in the Campaigns of 1814 and of 1815''. 1817. |
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* ''1939–1945 The War Dead of the Commonwealth: The Register of the Names of Those Who Fell and Are Buried in Cemeteries in the Netherlands |
* ''1939–1945 The War Dead of the Commonwealth: The Register of the Names of Those Who Fell and Are Buried in Cemeteries in the Netherlands: Bergen Op Zoom Canadian War Cemetery''. Maidenhead: Commonwealth War Graves Commission, 1994. |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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| ⚫ | |||
{{wikivoyage|Bergen op Zoom}} |
{{wikivoyage|Bergen op Zoom}} |
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| ⚫ | |||
*[http://www.bergenopzoom.nl Official website] |
*[http://www.bergenopzoom.nl Official website] |
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}} |
}} |
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{{North Brabant Province}} |
{{North Brabant Province}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Bergen Op Zoom}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bergen Op Zoom}} |
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Bergen op Zoom
| |
|---|---|
City and municipality
| |
Markiezenhof in Bergen op Zoom
| |
Flag 
Coat of arms | |
| Anthem: Merck toch hoe sterck | |
Location in North Brabant
| |
  Bergen op Zoom Location within the Netherlands Show map of Netherlands Bergen op Zoom Location within Europe Show map of Europe | |
| Coordinates: 51°30′N 4°18′E / 51.500°N 4.300°E / 51.500; 4.300 | |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Province | North Brabant |
| Government | |
| • Body | Municipal council |
| • Mayor | Frank Petter (CDA) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 93.13 km2 (35.96 sq mi) |
| • Land | 79.96 km2 (30.87 sq mi) |
| • Water | 13.17 km2 (5.08 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 10 m (30 ft) |
| Population
(January 2021)[4]
| |
| • Total | 67,514 |
| • Density | 844/km2 (2,190/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Bergenaar |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postcode |
4600–4625, 4660–4664
|
| Area code | 0164 |
| Website | www |
Bergen op Zoom (Dutch pronunciation: [ˌbɛrɣə(n) ɔp ˈsoːm] ⓘ;[a] called Berrege [ˈbɛrəɣə] in the local dialect) is a city and municipality in the Southwestern Netherlands. It is located in the provinceofNorth Brabant, at the provincial border with Zeeland. In January 2021, the municipality had a population of 67,514.
The city was built on a place where two types of soil meet: sandy soil and marine clay. The sandy soil pushed against the marine clay, accumulating and forming hills over several centuries. People called those hills the Brabantse Wal, literally meaning "ramparts of Brabant". Zoom refers to the border of these ramparts and bergen in Dutch means mountains or hills. The name has nothing to do with the little channel, the Zoom, which was later built through Bergen op Zoom.
Bergen op Zoom was granted city status probably in 1212. In 1287 the city and its surroundings became a lordship as it was separated from the lordship of Breda. The lordship was elevated to a margraviate in 1559. Several noble families, including the House of Glymes, ruled Bergen op Zoom in succession until 1795, although the title was only nominal since at least the seventeenth century.
During the early modern period, Bergen op Zoom was a very strong fortress and one of the main armories and arsenals of the United Provinces. It had a remarkable natural defensive site, surrounded as it was by marshes and easily flooded polders. Furthermore, it could receive reinforcements and supplies by sea, if the besieging army did not have a fleet to blockade its port.
Due to these features, the city was one of the strategic points held by the Dutch during their revolt in the Eighty Years War, beginning in the late sixteenth century. It was at that time besieged by Alessandro Farnese first in 1588, and by Ambrosio Spinola a second time in 1622. Both sieges were unsuccessful, and Bergen op Zoom got the nickname La PucelleorThe Virgin as it was never successfully taken in a siege.
In 1747, during the War of the Austrian Succession, the French army laid siege to the city. Bergen op Zoom had been fortified by new works built at the beginning of the 17th century by Menno van Coehoorn, with three forts surrounding the city and a canalized diversion of the Scheldt acting as a ditch around its walls. However, it had no second line of fortifications, nor any fortress. After seventy days of siege, the city was taken and thoroughly sacked; the garrison was slaughtered.
During the War of the Sixth Coalition, the town was again besieged by the British in March 1814 in a failed attempt to dislodge the French garrison.
During the reign of Jan II van Glymes (1417–1494), nicknamed "Jan metten Lippen" (meaning "Jan with the big lips", probably caused by an infection), a surge in economic growth occurred in the city. Large fairs were held twice a year, in spring and fall, that were known both nationally and internationally. Merchants from all over Europe came to Bergen op Zoom to sell their goods.
Because of this major economic growth, the Sint-Gertrudischurch was enlarged. The enlargement was called the Nieuw Werck but was never finished, because of the economic recession of the mid-16th century. It fell into ruin. The economic recession was largely caused by the poor accessibility of the port, due to a number of floods in Zeeland and West-Brabant. Because of the great reliance on the port, the economic growth received a major blow. In addition, the modernization of trade techniques, such as establishing of a permanent stock exchange instead of the fairs, which took place twice a year, also damaged the local economy.
The fairs continued until 1910. Despite the end of the two big fairs, Bergen op Zoom still hosts all kinds of smaller fairs and events.
During the Eighty Years' War, Bergen op Zoom chose the side of the Dutch Republic, and, simultaneously, for Protestantism. The Catholics of the city either adapted or moved to the surrounding countryside, which remained largely Catholic. The inhabitants who chose to stay Catholic went to church in secret barns and houses, since the local Sint-Getrudischurch was assigned to the Protestant community.
Slowly, most of the city council members of Bergen op Zoom became Protestant. Protestants dominated the council until the 18th century. After that, the number of Catholics in Bergen op Zoom increased and, during the second part of the 18th century, a majority of Bergen op Zoom's population was Catholic again. Although the Catholics enjoyed religious freedom during the French period in 1795–1814, their emancipation did not take place until later.
In 1832, a Catholic parish, the ‘Heilige Maagd ten Ophemeling’, was allowed to have its own church. In the same period, the Jewish community built a synagogue for their use.
In 1972, the Protestant community, after the loss of many members, gave the Sint-Getrudischurch to the Catholic parish. Since the return of the Church, Catholic services have been held here again.
As a result of Turkish and Moroccan immigration to The Netherlands, the city has a significant Muslim minority.[5]
![The Marketplace at Bergen op Zoom. Attributed to Abel Grimmer, 1590s. National Gallery of Art, Washington.[6]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Marketplace_in_Bergen_op_Zoom_E11381.jpg)
The Markiezenhof Palace, built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, houses a cultural centre and a museum with a picturesque courtyard, paintings, period rooms, and temporary exhibitions. SABIC Innovative Plastics operates a major manufacturing facility in Bergen op Zoom.[7] Philip Morris was another major employer until it closed its plant in 2014.[8]
Bergen op Zoom is twinned with:[13]
Oudenaarde, Belgium
Szczecinek, Poland
Media related to Bergen op Zoom at Wikimedia Commons
Places adjacent to Bergen op Zoom
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