Beverwijk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Beverwijk
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Beverwijk as seen from the North Sea Canal
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.svg)
Location in North Holland
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| Country | Netherlands | ||
| Province | North Holland | ||
| Region | Amsterdam metropolitan area | ||
| Government | |||
| • Body | Municipal council | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 20.09 km2 (7.76 sq mi) | ||
| • Land | 18.34 km2 (7.08 sq mi) | ||
| • Water | 1.75 km2 (0.68 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 2 m (7 ft) | ||
| Population
(May 2014)
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| • Total | 40,049 | ||
| • Density | 2,184/km2 (5,660/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Beverwijker | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Postcode |
1940–1949
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| Area code | 251 | ||
Beverwijk is a city and a municipality in the Netherlands. It is located in the province of North Holland. The city is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of Amsterdam. It is part of the Randstad area, which is a large group of cities.
Beverwijk is very close to the North Sea coast. It is also just north of the North Sea Canal. This canal is crossed by a railway tunnel and two motorway tunnels. These tunnels connect Beverwijk to the city of Haarlem on the south side of the canal.
Did you know that a town called Beverwyck was started in the Dutch colony of New Netherland around 1640? Today, that town is known as Albany, New York!
Contents
Parts of Beverwijk
The municipality of Beverwijk includes two main areas. One is Beverwijk itself. The other is Wijk aan Zee, which is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) to the west. Wijk aan Zee is located right on the coast of the North Sea.
History of Beverwijk
The name Beverwijk comes from Bedevaartswijk. This means "pilgrimage neighborhood." The town grew around the Saint Agatha Church. This church was a popular place for pilgrimages in the Middle Ages. People believed that Agatha of Sicily appeared there in the 9th century.
Early Rights and Growth
In 1276, Beverwijk was given market rights by Floris V. This meant the town could hold markets, which helped it grow. Later, in 1298, it received city rights from John I. This gave Beverwijk more independence and special rules.
During the 17th century, many rich merchants from Amsterdam built large homes in the beautiful sand dunes around Beverwijk. Some of these estates were called Huize Akerendam, Huize Westerhout, and Huize Scheijbeeck.
Defenses and World War II
Around 1800, a defensive line was built in Beverwijk. This was because it was the narrowest point in the North Holland area. It helped protect the region after a battle in 1799.
During World War II, in 1944, Beverwijk faced a difficult time. German forces took many people from their homes as hostages. This was to try and find people who had harmed others. Sadly, many of these hostages never returned home.
Modern Developments
In the late 1970s, Beverwijk became known for its furniture stores. The first ones opened along Parallel Road. This area became the first "furniture boulevard" in the Netherlands. By 1981, there were already 10 furniture businesses there.
South of the furniture area, the Bazaar opened in 1980. This is a very large market where you can find all sorts of things.
Sports and Community
Since 1997, the Special Needs Judo Foundation has held its yearly OBG (Open Beverwijk G-judo) tournament in Beverwijk. This event brings together over 1000 judoka (judo athletes) with special needs from all over the world. It takes place every April.
Famous People from Beverwijk
Many interesting people have lived in Beverwijk. Here are a few:
- Richard Aertsz (1482–1577) was a Dutch painter known for historical art.
- Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen (1500-1559) was another Dutch painter from the Northern Renaissance.
- Thomas Wijck (1616-1677) painted scenes of ports and everyday life.
- Isaac Johannes Lamotius (1646–1718) was a governor of Mauritius and studied fish.
- Wil Velders-Vlasblom (1930–2019) was a politician and worked for women's rights. She was the Mayor of Beverwijk from 1986 to 1995.
- Astrid Joosten (born 1958) is a well-known Dutch TV presenter.
- Kim-Lian van der Meij (born 1980) is a musical actress, presenter, and singer-songwriter.
Sports Stars
Beverwijk has also been home to many talented athletes:
- Cor Tabak (1907–2001) was a weightlifter who competed in the 1928 Summer Olympics.
- Ab Geldermans (born 1935) was a professional road bicycle racer.
- Ans Dekker (born 1955) was an artistic gymnast who competed in the 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics.
- Laurien Hoos (born 1983) is a Dutch athlete who competed in the heptathlon and hurdles at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
- Niki Terpstra (born 1984) is a famous Dutch racing cyclist.
- Stefan Struve (born 1988) is a mixed martial artist.
- Arthur Numan (born 1969) is a retired Dutch football player.
Getting Around Beverwijk
The city has its own train station, called Beverwijk railway station. This makes it easy to travel to and from Beverwijk by train.
Images for kids
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Beverwijk, church: de Grote Kerk
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Museumkennemerland
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Inundatiekanaal van de Pijp naar de inundatiesluis in de Sint Aagtendijk - Beverwijk
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Relweg 57, Wijk aan Zee
See also
In Spanish: Beverwijk para niños
