Jomoud's Fotothing

My 2008 trip to Holland.

THE CITY OF VIANEN
(Birthplace of Mrs. Jomoud)

The only remaining original gate giving entrance into the city. Known as the "Lekpoort", this structure dated back to around the year 1450. The city had a wall and moat around it and 3 gate entrances.
This view is from outside the wall and moat into the city.

Ancient Dutch records contain references to Vianen as early as the year 1085. In 1336 Vianen received city rights. The city thrived under the counts of Brederode, who acquired its lordship through marriage early in the 15th century. It formed a self-proclaimed sovereign seignory till 1795, including Vianen, Lexmond, Hei- en Boeicop and Meerkerk. During the Middle Ages, as a "free city," Vianen could be a haven for felons and escaped serfs. Of the three castles built during the town's history, Castle Batestein was said to be one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. Its only remnants are a 17th century brick gate and water-pump. Remnants of the old city wall and moat are visible girdling parts of the old downtown of Vianen.
Count Hendrik van Brederode was a close friend and ally of William of Orange. The low country known as Holland was in the midst of an 80 year war with Spain. The city of Vianen became a bastion of freedom fighters. Plans for attack on the Spanish were hatched in the town hall of Vianen by William of Orange, Hendrik Van Brederode and others, culminating in the eventual capture of the small village of Brielle on April 1, 1572.
This marked a turning point in the conflict, as many towns in Holland then began to support William of Orange against the Spanish Duke Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, 3rd Duke of Alba who was sent to pacify The Netherlands.
(Dutch students are taught a short rime to remember this fact:
"Op 1 april verloor Alva zijn bril" translating into "On April 1st, Alva lost his glasses", "bril" is the dutch word for "glasses".)