Renesse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Renesse
Renisse
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Village
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 Renesse
Location in Zeeland
Renesse
Location in Netherlands
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| Country | Netherlands | |
| Province | Zeeland | |
| Municipality | Schouwen-Duiveland | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 11.27 km2 (4.35 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 3.9 m (12.8 ft) | |
| Population
(2021)
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| • Total | 1,500 | |
| • Density | 133/km2 (345/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| Postal code |
4325
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| Dialing code | 0111 | |
Renesse (Zeeuws: Renisse) is a charming village in the Dutch province of Zeeland. It is part of the Schouwen-Duiveland municipality. Renesse is well-known as a popular place for tourists to visit. During the summer, it even offers free bus services to help visitors get around!
Contents
History of Renesse
The village of Renesse was first mentioned in the year 1244. Its name likely comes from old words meaning "headland" and "reed plant." Renesse is a village built in a circle around its church, located close to the sand dunes.
Moermond Castle
Moermond Castle was first built in 1229. Sadly, it was destroyed in 1297. A new, smaller castle was built before 1339, but it also fell into disrepair. Around 1400, the castle's gatehouse was turned into a summer home. This became the base for the castle you can see today.
The castle was badly damaged during the big North Sea flood of 1953. But don't worry, it was restored between 1958 and 1960. The walls around the castle were rebuilt, and three towers were added.
The Old Church
The Dutch Reformed church in Renesse is a single-aisled church. Its tower was built in the early 15th century, but it was never fully finished. The choir section of the church was rebuilt in 1916. During this work, parts of an even older church, from around 1300, were found. In 1924, a school was built next to the church. However, this school was taken down in 1976.
Renesse During World War II
Towards the end of 1944, during World War II, a group of ten members from the Dutch Resistance did something very brave. They secretly took and destroyed important local records in Renesse. This act was meant to help people avoid being forced to work for the enemy.
They were supposed to be picked up by a British boat on the beach. Unfortunately, they were caught before the boat arrived. These ten brave men were later executed in public. The villagers and their families were forced to watch. This was a very sad and difficult time for Renesse.
Growth of the Village
In 1840, Renesse was home to about 470 people. It used to be its own separate municipality (a type of local government area) until 1961. At that time, it joined with another area called Westerschouwen. After World War II, Renesse started to grow a lot as a tourist spot. Many holiday homes and hotels were built. In 1997, Renesse became part of the larger municipality of Schouwen-Duiveland.
The Van Renesse Family
The Van Renesse family was important in the 13th century. They built the very first version of Moermond Castle. Some notable members of this family include:
- John III, Lord of Renesse
- René de Renesse, 1st Count of Warfusée
It's interesting to know that there is also a Castle of Renesse located in the village of Oostmalle, in Belgium. This castle is also connected to the Van Renesse family.
Images for kids
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Renesse, church: Jacobuskerk
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Renesse, beach
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Restaurant in Renesse
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Holiday home in the snow
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