Zandvoort - A Brief History
The first mention of Zandvoort in any historical records dates back to the time of Count Floris V. He had a son called Witte van Haemstede who, in 1304, landed near a certain Sandevoerde while he was at war with the Flemmings. The ‘voerde’ of Sandevoerde indicates a ford or fordable place in the dunes which could be wad
ed through, thus connecting sea and land. The dunes at that time were mostly swamps, but Zandvoort had a fordable area by which the land could be quite easily reached from the sea.
At that time, the village was ruled by the Lords of Brederode (Jkvr. Sandrina van Brederode - right), a rule which lasted until 1679 when the States of Holland took over the territory. The small village of Zandvoort consisted of about 100 houses, under the jurisdiction of the Bailiff and Aldermen, assisted by church leaders.
It was in 1722 that Zandvoort first began to develop economically with even greater developments following in the 1800s and 1900s when it flourished as both a fishing village and a seaside resort. World War II had a devastating effect upon the town and its people and the rebuilding programme that followed paved the way for the resort that exists today.
For more detailed Zandvoort history read:
Zandvoort 1722-1825 ~
Zandvoort 1825-1939 ~
Zandvoort 1939-1945 ~
Modern Zandvoort