The old harbor of Gouda in the winter. by Eus Driessen

About "The old harbor of Gouda in the winter."

by Eus Driessen

About the artwork

The Haven in Gouda is a connection probably made in the 14th century between the Hollandse IJssel and the Gouwe.

Both streets on either side of the Harbor developed into the two main streets of Gouda with many patrician houses. The west side of the harbor was called the Westhaven and the east side the Oosthaven.

All shipping traffic in Holland from the south to the north, due to the privileges granted to the city of Gouda, made use of this connection. Due to the long waiting times for shipping traffic, which was led to the Gouwe via the Ports lock and the Amsterdam lock from the IJssel and vice versa, the local business benefited optimally from the passage through the city. For example, a sailmaker was established in the oldest house in the city on the Westhaven. Later there were other connections between the Gouwe and the IJssel, which caused less delays (the Mallegat lock and the Juliana lock). Because of protective constructions, skippers were obliged to remain on shore for a few days in Gouda. For three centuries, Gouda was able to take full advantage of these 'water rights', but in the mid-18th century this was over.

Until 1577, in order to protect the access of the IJssel to the Gouwe, the castle of Gouda was located at the southeastern point of the Harbor. The mill on the Punt is now on this site - on the foundation of the former castle. In 1572, the Beggars, under the direction of Jonkheer van Swieten, fought for the possession of the castle.