Overview of ‘s-Gravenzande
‘s-Gravenzande is a town located in the province of South Holland, in the Netherlands. It is part of the municipality of Westland, situated approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) southwest of The Hague. Until 2004, ‘s-Gravenzande was an independent municipality covering an area of 20.77 km², with 3.38 km² designated as water.
Population Statistics
As of January 1, 2009, ‘s-Gravenzande is the largest town in Westland, boasting a population of 19,428 inhabitants. The town had a population of 15,241 in 2011, with a built-up area of 2.7 km² containing 5,879 residences.
Historical Significance
‘s-Gravenzande holds the distinction of being the only town in the Westland region with a recognized history as a town (“stad”). It was granted town rights (“stadsrechten”) in 1246 by Count William II of Holland. His father, Count Floris IV, frequently resided near the town.
The town’s church was built by Machteld van Brabant, daughter of Duke Henry I and wife of Floris IV. She gifted the church a Madonna statue, believed to possess miraculous powers, transforming ‘s-Gravenzande into a pilgrimage site.
International Connection
The neighborhood of Gravesend, located in Brooklyn, New York, is thought to be named after ‘s-Gravenzande. A 1656 Dutch map of Nova Belgica (New Netherland) illustrates several Dutch-named towns including Vlissingen (Flushing), Breukelen (Brooklyn), Amersfoort (Flatlands), Heemstee (Hempstead), and Gravesant (‘s-Gravenzande).
References
- Forum van de stad ‘s-Gravenzande Archived 2011-02-02 at the Wayback Machine