Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht

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Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht
Flag of Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht
Flag
Coat of arms of Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht
Coat of arms
Location of Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht
Coordinates: 51°51′N 4°38′E / 51.85, 4.63
Country Netherlands
Province South Holland
Area (2006)
 - Total 11.99 km² (4.6 sq mi)
 - Land 10.73 km² (4.1 sq mi)
 - Water 1.26 km² (0.5 sq mi)
Population (1 January 2007)
 - Total 24,821
 - Density 2,313/km² (5,990.6/sq mi)
  Source: CBS, Statline.
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 - Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Website: www.h-i-ambacht.nl

Image:Ltspkr.pngHendrik-Ido-Ambacht (population: 22,966 in 2004) is a town and municipality in the western Netherlands. It is located in the Dutch province of South Holland, on the island of IJsselmonde, and borders with Zwijndrecht, Ridderkerk, and the Noord River. The jurisdiction of the municipality covers an area of 11.99 km² (4.63 mile²) of which 1.26 km² (0.49 mile²) is water. It comprises no other population centres.

Until 1855, the town was known as Hendrik-Ido-Schildmanskinderen-Ambacht en de Oostendam. Then it merged with Sandelingen-Ambacht and its full name for a period of time was Hendrik-Ido-Oostendam-Schildmanskinderen-Groot-en-Klein-Sandelingen-Ambacht.

[edit] History

The area has been populated from circa the year 1000 CE. Agriculture and animal husbandry were the only means of existence for many centuries. All lands were owned by or in control of the nobility of Dordrecht. Not until the Eighty Years' War some industrial activities began to appear along the river dike. Furthermore, horticulture and flax growing also developed.

Because of the rapid industrial growth in Germany and the daily tides, 2 citizens of Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht started a ship breaking yard which grew into an industry resulting in the town becoming worldwide known as the "ship breaking village".

The establishment of industries in the region changed the centuries-old seasonal labour to permanent work opportunities with higher wages. Only a few monumental farms and buildings, including the 14th century Reformed Church, remain as a reminder of its historic past. (Source: Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht Official Website)

Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht in 1866.
Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht in 1866.

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 51.85° N 4.63° E