Zutphen (from Zuid Veen, "South Fen"), situated at the confluence of the Berkel with the IJssel and at the west end of the Twente Canal, was once capital of the County of Zutphen, which from 1127 belonged to Gelderland. The town received its municipal charter in 1190 and became a member of the Hanseatic League towards the end
of the 14th century. It was taken by the Spaniards in 1572 but recovered by Prince Maurice of Nassau 19 years later.
The battle of Zutphen (1586), in which Sir Philip Sidney was killed, was fought at Warnsveld, just to the east of the town.
Zutphen is now the cultural and administrative center of the Veluwe and Achterhoek. Its major industries are engineering, brick making, chemicals and woodworking, together with papermaking and textiles.
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