Leiderdorp Facts for Kids

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Leiderdorp

The Oude Rijn passing by Leiderdorp

Flag	Coat of arms

Location in South Holland

Government

• Body

Municipal council

Area

• Total

12.28 km² (4.74 sq mi)

• Land

11.55 km² (4.46 sq mi)

• Water

0.73 km² (0.28 sq mi)

Elevation

0 m (0 ft)

Population

(May 2014)

• Total

26,786

• Density

2,319/km² (6,010/sq mi)

Demonym(s)

Leiderdorper

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postcode

2350–2353

Area code

071

Dutch topographic map of the municipality of Leiderdorp, June 2015

Leiderdorp (Dutch pronunciation: [ˌlɛidərˈdɔr(ə)p]) is a town and municipality in the western Netherlands. It is located in the province of South Holland, very close to the city of Leiden. In 2014, about 26,786 people lived there.

The municipality covers an area of about 12.28 km² (4.74 sq mi). A small part of this area, 0.73 km² (0.28 sq mi), is water. Leiderdorp has grown to become a suburb of Leiden. The Oude Rijn (Old Rhine) and Zijl rivers separate the two places. The HSL-Zuid high-speed rail line, which connects Amsterdam and Brussels, passes through Leiderdorp in a tunnel.

Leiderdorp is one of the oldest towns in the South Holland province. It was even used as a base for the Spanish army during the Eighty Years' War.

Discovering Leiderdorp's Past
Famous People from Leiderdorp
- Sports Stars from Leiderdorp
Sister Cities
Gallery
See also

Discovering Leiderdorp's Past

Excavations have shown that people lived in the Leiderdorp area a very long time ago. As early as the Iron Age, hunters and fishers roamed here. They lived on the dry spots near the river.

Roman Times in Leiderdorp

The Rhine river flows through Leiderdorp. This river was once the northern border of the mighty Roman Empire. Near Leiderdorp, the Romans built a fort called Matilo. When the Western Roman Empire began to fall, the Romans left this area.

Life in the Middle Ages

The first permanent settlements in Leiderdorp appeared during the Middle Ages. The Rhine river was important for trade. It connected the sea to the land further inland. During the late Middle Ages, three castles were built in Leiderdorp. These were Huis ter Zijl (around 1260), Huis ter Does (around 1300), and Huis Berendrecht (around 1420).

In 1396, a monastery called Engelendael was founded. Monks living there copied books, cared for sick people, and worked on the fields. The monastery was left empty in 1574. However, its history is still remembered today. The main road in Leiderdorp is named Engelendaal.

Leiderdorp During the Eighty Years' War

The first bridge crossing the Rhine river in Leiderdorp was built in 1492. By 1514, Leiderdorp's population had grown to 500 people. During the Siege of Leiden, Leiderdorp was the main base for the Spanish General Francisco de Valdez. However, he was not able to capture the city of Leiden. In 1620, the Protestant Dorpskerk (town church) was built. This church celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2020 with special events.

Leiderdorp from 1700 to 1940

From 1597 to 1795, the city of Leiden had control over Leiderdorp. This made Leiderdorp very dependent on the larger city. In 1795, Leiderdorp became smaller as Leiden expanded its borders. A factory that made ropes was built in 1806. In 1862, the first school was opened on the Hoofdstraat (main street). A shipyard was built in 1877. Later, in 1915, social housing was built. These homes were designed by the famous Dutch architect Willem Marinus Dudok.

Leiderdorp in World War II

During the Second World War, a bunker was built in the nearby fields. To make space for it, a pen factory and a community center were destroyed. The tall spires of one of the churches were used as a lookout point by soldiers.

Famous People from Leiderdorp

Carice van Houten, 2019

Many interesting people have connections to Leiderdorp:

The Reverend Pierre Jacques Smit (1863 – 1960) was an illustrator for the British Natural History Museum.
Gerrit de Blanken (1894 – 1961) was a Dutch potter.
Armin van Buuren (born 1976) is a famous trance music producer and DJ. He used to live in Leiderdorp.
Carice van Houten (born 1976) is a well-known Dutch actress and singer.
Thomas Erdbrink (born 1976) was the chief of The New York Times office in Tehran.
Dennis Leeflang (born 1979) is a Dutch rock drummer. He lives in Los Angeles now.
Thomas Azier (born 1987) is an electro-pop singer and musician.
Robert de Hoog (born 1988) is a Dutch actor.
Daphne Groeneveld (born 1994) is a Dutch model.

Sports Stars from Leiderdorp

Ilse Paulis, 2016

Leiderdorp has also been home to many talented athletes:

Marcel Vonk (born 1974) is a poker player and a researcher in string theory.
Sylvia Karres (born 1976) is a retired field hockey player. She won a silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Femke Dekker (born 1979) is a Dutch rower. She won a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Taeke Taekema (born 1980) is a Dutch field hockey player. He also won a silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Noeki Klein (born 1983) is a women's water polo player. She won a gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Regina Bruins (born 1986) is a professional cyclist who lives in Leiderdorp.
Ted Jan Bloemen (born 1986) is a Dutch-Canadian speed skater. He won a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Jens Toornstra (born 1989) is a Dutch footballer who has played over 300 club games.
Ilse Paulis (born 1993) is a Dutch rower. She won a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Jeroen Kampschreur (born 1999) is a Dutch paralympic skier.
Bente Paulis (born 1997) is a Dutch rower. She won a silver medal at the quadruple sculls at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Matthijs de Ligt (born 1999) is a professional footballer. He has played 45 times for the Netherlands national team.
Noussair Mazraoui (born 1997) is also a professional footballer.