Middelburg, capital of the province of Zeeland, lies on the Veere-Vlissingen Canal on the former island of Walcheren, surrounded by a star-shaped ring of grachten and canals. It is an important market and commercial center for an extensive agricultural area. Major contributions are also made to the town's economy by industry (electrical
engineering, chemicals, metal-processing) and the tourist trade.
Middelburg is one of the oldest towns in the Netherlands, with origins going back to Carolingian times, when it enjoyed a first period of prosperity. Walcheren was able to beat off raids by the Norsemen thanks to its three strongholds - in the dunes to the north the Domburg, to the south the Souburg and in the center of the island the Middleburg. Later, in 1121, Norbertine monks established themselves here and founded the abbey, around which a settlement of fishermen and merchants grew up. In 1217 Middelburg was granted a municipal charter, and thereafter it developed into an important trading town, famed for its cloth industry and as an entrepot for French wares. In 1561 it became the see of a bishop. At about the same time, however, its economic decline began, when the silting up of the Arne made it increasingly difficult to use the harbor. In 1574 Middelburg was captured by William the Silent's forces.
During the 17th century many Antwerp merchants settled in Middelburg, and the town entered into competition with Amsterdam. This second period of prosperity was brought to an end by the French occupation, and even the construction of a new harbor in 1817 could not halt the town's decline. On May 17th, 1940 the town suffered heavy damage in a German air attack, but the major buildings and streets (Spanjaardstraat, Bellinkstraat, Herenstraat, etc.) which were destroyed were almost all restored in the original style after the war. In 1975 Middelburg's successful restoration policy earned it the designation of "European Heritage City".
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