Heukelum | |
|---|---|
Small city | |
 Former town hall | |
 Flag  Coat of arms | |
  Heukelum Location in the province of Gelderland in the Netherlands Show map of Gelderland Heukelum Heukelum (Netherlands) Show map of Netherlands | |
| Coordinates:51°52′23″N5°4′36″E / 51.87306°N 5.07667°E /51.87306; 5.07667 | |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Province | Gelderland |
| Municipality | West Betuwe |
| Area | |
• Total | 3.62 km2 (1.40 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1.8 m (5.9 ft) |
| Population (2021)[1] | |
• Total | 2,280 |
| • Density | 630/km2 (1,600/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 4161[1] |
| Dialing code | 0345 |
Heukelum is a city in theDutch province ofGelderland. It is a part of the municipality ofWest Betuwe, and lies about 8 km northeast ofGorinchem. It receivedcity rights in 1391.
It was first mentioned in 996 as Ukele, and means "settlement on the height".[3] Heukelum is an elongatedesdorp which developed on the river bank of theLinge in the Early Middle Ages.[4]
The Dutch Reformed church developed in stages between 1350 and 1510 to replace its predecessor from around 1250. The tower and nave were destroyed by fire in 1699.[4] Part of the defensive works around the city from the 16th and 17th century are still present.[4]
Heukelum Castle (also Merckenburg Castle) was originally built before 1286 by the van Arkel family as one of nine castles to defend theLand van Arkel against Holland and Gelderland. It is the only castle which remained after theArkel War [nl] (1401-1412). In 1672, it was severely damaged by the French. The castle changed ownership several times, but is still private property.[5]
Heukelum was flooded many times during its history. The last times were in 1939 and 1945 when the area around Heelsum was inundated to thwart the advance of the German and Allied armies respectively.[6]
Heukelum was home to 535 people in 1840.[6] Heukelum was a separate municipality until 1986, when it became part ofVuren. The area was part ofSouth Holland until then, and is now part ofGelderland.[7]
three entries; includes the hamlet Friezenwijk
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| Geographic | |
