Rijnsburg
| Rijnsburg | |
|---|---|
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The river Vliet flowing through Rijnsburg's old village centre | |
  Rijnsburg Location in the Netherlands | |
| Coordinates: 52°11′N 4°26′E / 52.183°N 4.433°ECoordinates: 52°11′N 4°26′E / 52.183°N 4.433°E | |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Province | South Holland |
| Municipality | Katwijk |
| Population (2006) | 14.850[1] |
Rijnsburg (population: 14,941 in 2004) is a community in the eastern part of the town of Katwijk, in the western Netherlands, in the province of South Holland. The name means Rhine's Burg in Dutch.
History
The history starts way before the 6th century when a town called ‘Rothulfuashem’ (Rudolfsheim). Later about 900 there was a stronghold, which could explain the current name of the village Rijnsburg, which means 'Rhine fortress'
Rijnsburg used to be a separated municipality until 1 January 2006, when, together with Valkenburg, it was added to the municipality and city of Katwijk. Before that, the municipality covered an area of 6.07 km2 (2.34 sq mi) of which 0.21 km2 (0.081 sq mi) is water, and had a population of 14851 inhabitants on 1 June 2005.
Rijnsburg's main claim to fame is that the philosopher Spinoza lived there from 1661 to 1663. The modest house in which he lived is still preserved, and can be visited.
Rijnsburg is located in an area called the "Dune and Bulb district" (Duin- en Bollenstreek) and is one of the locations of the flower auction company Royal FloraHolland.
An Abbey (a convent) was established by Petronilla of Lorraine, consort of Floris II, Count of Holland, in 1133. It flourished for many years. Two of her granddaughters, Sophie and Hedwig, would later join this abbey, one of them as abbess.
Archeological finds
In 1913 a buckle, the mount with red, white and blue enamel, and the square coin were found together in a cemetery at Rijnsburg. The impressive gilded buckle with interwoven filigree and enamel inlay was probably made in Kent (England) across the Channel. These finds amongst others indicate that the mouth of the Rhine was home to some people of very high status, perhaps even royalty.
Burials at Rijnsburg Abbey
- Floris the Black
- Petronilla of Lorraine
- Dirk VI, Count of Holland
- William I, Count of Holland
- Floris IV, Count of Holland
Rijnsburg, drawbridge and modern blocks
Rijnsburg, church