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Zeeland Zeeland (the name means, simply, "Sealand") comprises the combined estuary of the Scheldt, Maas (Meuse) and Rhine Rivers, as they converge on southwestern Netherlands and the North Atlantic. The region consists of a group of alluvial sand-islands, along with a slice of mainland territory west of Antwerp and adjacent to Flanders to the south and west. Between the shifting sands of the islands, the currents of the rivers, and the gradual subsidence of the land overall, Zeeland has always occupied a difficult and chancy position in regards the environment, and much effort has been expended on diking, bridging, and channelling the waters in order that they not wash away the province (it's heraldic motto is Luctor et Emergo, "I struggle and emerge"). Historically, the region has always been a frontier zone, and it saw chronic conflict between the Counts of Holland to the north and the Counts of Flanders to the southwest for control of the delta - Holland-Hainault gained decisive authority over the area in 1323, from which Burgundy assumed control in 1433, and Spain in 1555. A disputed zone between Spain and the Netherlands after 1568, Zeeland fell firmly in the Hollander camp following the Massacre of Antwerp (4 November 1576) and the subsequent flooding of Holland by Flemish Protestant refugees. This page contains Local Zeelander estates: Zeeland (general survey), Haamstede, Veere. Neighbouring states: Antwerp, (North) Brabant, Flanders, Holland. |
HAAMSTEDE
A small village on an island in the Rhine estuary, facing the North
Sea.
It was an appanage Barony of the Counts of Holland for about 150 years
during in the Middle Ages, before being transfered to a local family
and
fading from view.
