Monster, Netherlands

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The village (dark green) and the statistical district (light green) of Monster in the municipality of Westland.

Monster is a town in the Dutch province of South Holland. It is a part of the municipality of Westland, and lies about 10 km south-west of The Hague.

The village of "Monster" has a population of around 11,580.^[1] The statistical area "Monster", which also can include the surrounding countryside, has a population of around 14,540.^[1]

Until 2004 it was a separate municipality and covered an area of 20.15 km² (of which 5.70km² is water).

The former municipality of Monster also included the towns, Poeldijk and Ter Heijde. Monster and Ter Heijde are towns on the North Sea coast and have a popular beach.

[edit] History

In the 13th century a great deal of the Westland, Loosduinen and The Hague were administered by Monster. When The Hague came to be constructed, a split was made in Haag-ambacht and Half-Loosduinen. The latter village was separated from Monster in 1812. Remains of the former glory can still be seen between The Hague and Monster at such estates as Ockenburgh, Bloemendaal, Solleveld and Langeveld.

There is a great deal of uncertainty over the origin of the name "Monster". It is probably derived from the Latin monasterium, meaning monastery. The name was also used for the ground that belonged to a monastery. Another explanation was that Monster was derived from the old-Dutch word monster, which meant amongst others "big church" (from Latin: monstrum), which is supported by the fact that Monster had those days one of the largest churches in the area.

Monster was previously a destination for pilgrimage, because Machutus parish possessed some relics of its patron Machutus, who is also known as Machuut. People came to be healed of the "falling sickness", which was possibly epilepsy.