Tijdschrift voor Historische Geografie - Current Issue

Flowing meadows by G.J. van Heek as an example of industrial irrigation in Twente

Large flowing meadows between the Rutbeek and the Twekkelerbeek A reconstruction has been made of an irrigation system that was developed in Twente at the beginning of the last century by Mr. G.J. van Heek. This historical system of irrigation was installed in several places in the east of the Netherlands and is an important part of the agricultural history of our country. The smart hydrological system of streams, ditches and dams that was built to enrich the poor sandy soils and thereby increase the grass and hay yield is still ‘hidden’ in a number of places. With the nomination for the unesco list of intangible heritage, hopefully more attention will be paid to this ingenious water system.

When the lights go out

Lighthouses as an iconic landscape element

In September 2021, the cast-iron Kijkduin lighthouse near Den Helder, also known as ‘Lange Jaap’ (or ‘Long Jack’), made the news of the day. The news of the lighthouse’s imminent risk of collapse drew many reactions from Den Helder residents. The lighthouse turned out to be a landscape icon in the region, which local residents felt strongly connected to. The issues related to Lange Jaap are not an isolated case. Lighthouses are increasingly losing their primary function as beacons for ships. Modern means of navigation are taking over. Therefore, we need a vision on the preservation and redevelopment of this nautical heritage. This article deals with the history of the beacons and lighthouses and their maintenance. It also covers the importance of lighthouses as a striking element in the Dutch coastal landscape over time. In doing so, it becomes clear how lighthouses are connected to the people living in their vicinity and that these beacons of light should be preserved for the future.

The island in the Voorzaan river

Development of the harbour area outside the dike in Zaandam

This article analyses the development of the island in the Voorzaan river at different scales as part of the unique industrial landscape in the Zaan region. This island was created in the 17th century, when a spit of land on the east bank of the Zaan was turned into a harbour island in two phases (1636 and 1647). Timber yards, shipyards and sawmills settled there. In the second half of the 18th century, much of this disappeared due to economic decline. The island fell into decline and by 1850 it was largely deserted. In the 1930s, the Pont timber company moved to the island. It was built up with large sheds and unloading platforms. After Pont’s departure, redevelopment took place as a residential area and marina. Almost nothing reminds one of the island’s past as a port area.

The beacon trees of the Bedijkte Maas

Within the Dutch riverlandscape, the river Meuse between Boxmeer and the Biesbosch is distinguished by its canalized course and the poplars planted at a fixed distance along the bank. It are mainly these ‘beacon trees’ that determine the identity of the river. The trees are highly valued by the residents along this 100-kilometer stretch. This article examines the background of this special green structure and the question of how such a green heritage can retain its significance in the future.