Grave, Netherlands facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Grave
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City and former municipality
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Grave town centre
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.svg)
Location of the former municipality of Grave in North Brabant
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 Grave
Location in North Brabant
Grave
Location in Netherlands
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| Country | Netherlands | ||
| Province | North Brabant | ||
| Municipality | Land van Cuijk | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 3.24 km2 (1.25 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 10 m (30 ft) | ||
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 8,580 | ||
| • Density | 2,648/km2 (6,859/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Postcode |
5360–5361
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| Area code | 0486 | ||
Grave (pronounced like "GRAH-vuh") is a historic city in the North Brabant province of the Netherlands. It used to be its own municipality, which is like a local government area. Grave is known for being a fortified city, meaning it had strong defenses in the past.
In 2021, about 8,580 people lived in the former municipality of Grave. It was a member of the Dutch Association of Fortified Cities. This group helps preserve cities with old defenses.
The former municipality of Grave included the main city of Grave. It also included the towns of Velp, Escharen, and Gassel.
On January 1, 2022, Grave joined with several other towns. These were Boxmeer, Cuijk, Mill en Sint Hubert, and Sint Anthonis. Together, they formed a new, larger municipality called Land van Cuijk.
Contents
History of Grave
Grave became an official city in 1233. This meant it had special rights, like holding markets and having its own laws.
The municipality of Grave was first created around 1810. This was during the time of Napoleon. At first, it only included the fortified city of Grave and the areas right around it. So, the history of the town and the municipality were very closely linked.
Things changed in 1942. The municipality of Grave grew bigger. It added the towns of Velp and Escharen. These towns used to be independent. Later, in 1994, another change happened. Part of the nearby municipality of Beers was added to Grave. This included the parish of Gassel.
Popular Places to Visit
Grave has some interesting places that show its history.
John S. Thompson Bridge
Near Grave, there is a bridge built in 1929. It is now called the John S. Thompsonbrug. This bridge connects Grave to the province of Gelderland across the Maas River.
This bridge was very important during Operation Market Garden in World War II. This was a big military operation in September 1944. The city of Grave was freed on September 17, 1944. Luckily, the city itself was not badly damaged. The bridge was named in 2004 after Lieutenant John S. Thompson. He was a US Army soldier who helped capture the bridge.
The Hampoort
The Hampoort is an old gate that was once the main entrance to the city. It is still mostly complete today. You can visit it and imagine what it was like when people entered the fortified city long ago.
Famous People from Grave
Many interesting people have come from Grave over the years.
Royalty and Nobles
- Mary of Guelders (around 1434 in Grave – 1463): She became the queen of Scotland. Mary was married to King James II of Scotland. She also served as a regent, meaning she ruled Scotland for a short time, from 1460 to 1463.
- Adolf, Duke of Guelders (1438 in Grave – 1477): He was a Duke of Guelders and Count of Zutphen. He ruled from 1465 to 1471.
- Charles II, Duke of Guelders (1467 in Grave – 1538): He was also a Duke of Guelders and Count of Zutphen. He ruled for a long time, from 1492 to 1538.
- Anna van Egmont (1533 in Grave – 1558): She was a very rich Dutch heiress. She was the first wife of William the Silent, who was a famous Prince of Orange.
- Louise van der Nooth (1630s in Grave – 1654): She was a lady-in-waiting and a favorite of Queen Christina of Sweden.
Other Notable Figures
- Johann Weyer (1515 in Grave – 1588): He was a Dutch doctor and occultist. He studied things like magic and spirits.
- Charles de Thierry (1793 in Grave – 1864): He was an adventurer who traveled to New Zealand.
- Jan Pieter van Suchtelen (1751 in Grave – 1836): He became a general in the Russian army. He fought in the Russo-Swedish War (1808–1809).
- Johan Stein (1871 in Grave – 1951): He was a Dutch astronomer. He was also a member of the Society of Jesus, a religious order.
Images for kids
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The John S. Thompsonbrug over the Maas River.
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Houses in the town centre of Grave.
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A Fish ladder and a shipyard in Grave.
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A canal lock in Grave.
See also
In Spanish: Grave (Países Bajos) para niños
