Woudrichem was put on the map in 1356 by William V, Count of Holland. He then establishes his river toll on the Merwede in this place and he grants Woudrichem city rights, and thus self-government. Woudrichem acquires fishing rights from the lord of Altena and flourishes. To protect against invaders, a city wall and a moat were built in 1386. The economic setback begins when Woudrichem loses its toll on Gorinchem in 1420; a year later things get even worse, when part of the hinterland is flooded by the St. Elizabeth’s flood. The defenses are then insufficiently maintained. In 1460, the Lord of Altena decided to replace part of the dilapidated city wall with houses.
Fortress of Woudrichem, The Netherlands
Fortaleza de Woudrichem, Países Bajos
Festung Woudrichem, Niederlande
During the Eighty Years’ War, the poorly protected city was easily taken over by the Beggars. They set fire to the city when the Spaniards recapture Woudrichem. In the continuation of the war, the city is taken over and over again, the last time by the State troops. For strategic reasons, William of Orange believes that Woudrichem should become a fortified city again. The States of Holland subsequently made Woudrichem the southernmost fortress of the Dutch Waterline. The fortifications are constructed according to the Old Dutch Fortification System and a garrison is stationed there. Together with Heusden, Woudrichem will become the hub of the inundation system of the Land van Altena.
ウードリヘム要塞（オランダ）
Крепость Вудрихем, Нидерланды
Forteresse de Woudrichem, Pays-Bas
To defend the city against the arrival of French troops under Louis XIV in 1672, the surrounding area is flooded. The inundation works well, because Woudrichem is not taken by the French. Even after 1700, the fortress as part of the Dutch Waterline is always well maintained. Even Menno van Coehoorn, who converted most fortified towns according to the New Dutch Fortification System, leaves Woudrichem unchanged. After the Battle of Waterloo in 1813, battle is fought around Woudrichem one more time. Defeated French troops try to entrench themselves in Gorinchem, but Prussian troops drive them out from the Woudrichem fortress.
Vesting van Woudrichem, Nederland
वुडरिकम का किला, नीदरलैंड
قلعه وودریکم، هلند
After the departure of the French, the Land of Altena will become part of the province of North Brabant, but Woudrichem will remain part of the waterline, now called the New Dutch Waterline. In the course of the 19th century, all kinds of improvements were made, including an inundation sluice in 1815 and four forts in 1881. In 1955, Woudrichem is discontinued as a fortification by Royal Decree.
Benteng Woudrichem, Belanda
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