Maassluis Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Maassluis

Aerial view of Maassluis

Flag	Coat of arms

Location in South Holland

Government

• Body

Municipal council

Area

• Total

10.12 km² (3.91 sq mi)

• Land

8.49 km² (3.28 sq mi)

• Water

1.63 km² (0.63 sq mi)

Elevation

4 m (13 ft)

Population

(May 2014)

• Total

32,230

• Density

3,796/km² (9,830/sq mi)

Demonym(s)

Maassluizer

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postcode

3140–3147

Area code

010

Maassluis (pronounced maas-LOYS) is a town in the western part of the Netherlands. It is located in the province of South Holland. In 2014, about 32,230 people lived there.

The town covers an area of 10.12 km² (3.91 sq mi). A small part of this area, 1.63 km² (0.63 sq mi), is water. Maassluis officially became a town in 1811.

History of Maassluis
- Becoming a Separate Town
- Modern History and World War II
Economy and Life in Maassluis
Famous People from Maassluis
- Sports Stars from Maassluis
Images for kids
See also

History of Maassluis

Maassluis in 1867.

Maassluis started around 1340 as a small settlement. It was built next to a lock that controlled water flow between the North Sea and Rotterdam. At first, it was called Maeslandsluys and was part of a larger area named Maesland.

In 1489, the settlement was attacked and looted. During the Eighty Years' War, a defense wall was started by Philips of Marnix, lord of Sint-Aldegonde. However, the Spanish army captured the area in 1573 before the wall was finished. Philips of Marnix was taken prisoner. A year later, in 1574, Maeslandsluys was again looted by Spanish soldiers who had rebelled.

Becoming a Separate Town

On May 16, 1614, Maeslandsluys became separate from Maesland. The counts of Holland renamed it Maassluis. This separation might have happened because of religious differences. Maassluis was mostly Protestant, while Maesland was Catholic.

In 1624, the defense wall was taken down. This made space for the Great Church, which began construction in 1629. Building stopped for five years because pirates from Dunkirk attacked fishing boats from Maassluis. They even threw the crew overboard. The church was finally finished in 1639.

A special event happened on December 4, 1732. The Garrels Organ was officially used for the first time. This organ was built between 1730 and 1732 by Rudolf Garrels. It was a gift from Govert van Wijn, a ship-owner from Maassluis.

Modern History and World War II

In 1811, Napoleon Bonaparte gave Maassluis its official town rights. This was an important step for the town.

During World War II, many people from Maassluis were sent to Germany. They had to work in factories that made things for the war. The old church in Maassluis was also hit by bombs from Allied planes.

Economy and Life in Maassluis

Maassluis has always been connected to the sea. Historically, its economy depended on fishing near the coast and around Iceland.

In the 1800s, two important companies merged. The tugboat company L. Smit and the marine salvage company W.A. van den Tak joined to form Smit-Tak. This company is now part of Smit International, which is one of the world's largest companies for rescuing ships. There is also a big shipping agency called Royal Dirkzwager in Maassluis.

Today, Maassluis is mainly a town where people live and then travel to work in nearby Rotterdam.

Famous People from Maassluis

Many notable people were born in Maassluis. Here are a few:

Bartholomeus Meyburgh (1624-1708) – A painter from the Dutch Golden Age. He painted portraits and historical scenes.
Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920) – A journalist and theologian. He also served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1901 to 1905.
Louis Fles (1872-1940) – A businessman, activist, and author.
Cornelis Lievense (1890-1949) – A businessman who was president of the Union Banking Corporation.
Arie Bijl (1908–1945) – A Dutch theoretical physicist and a hero of the World War II resistance.
Maarten 't Hart (born 1944) – A biologist and a well-known writer.
Agnes van Ardenne (born 1950) – A Dutch politician and diplomat who is now retired.
Niko Koffeman (born 1958) – A Dutch politician and an activist for animal rights.
Chris Woerts (born 1959) – A former journalist and businessman interested in sports.

Sports Stars from Maassluis

Maassluis has also produced several athletes:

Jan Verhaas (born 1966) – A Dutch referee for snooker and pool games.
Koen Pijpers (born 1969) – A Dutch field hockey player who is now retired.
Françoise Harteveld (born 1977) – A Dutch judoka, known for her skills in judo.
Khalid Boulahrouz (born 1981) – A Dutch former footballer who played in over 235 club matches.
Tonny Trindade de Vilhena (born 1995) – A footballer with more than 200 club appearances.