The Vigilance, Verdronkenoord 45
The Verdronkenoord in Alkmaar is one of the oldest canals in the city. The canal probably originated at the beginning of the 16th century. Origin
About the year 1400, the district around De Mient was built and there was a need for expansion of the city. Water located at the Voormeer slipped close and was apportioned to building ground. These grounds belonged to the parish church, which they sold. The proceeds from the sale funded the construction of the Great Church. In 1486 a piece of land was sold, which is now between the Late and the Desert. The piece of land was ready for construction. The city councils decided that there should be a footstep of 14 feet wide; this became the current Huigbrouwersstraat. Thus, a start was made with the cultivation of land to the east of De Mient. Before the land was ready for cultivation, they consisted of underground land. Here comes the name Verdronkenoord. More and more land was tightened, and the building was slowly growing towards the east. The Verdronkenoord was made ever longer. It is established that in 1510, the St. Annastraat had not yet come. Sailing route
The canal has always been a busy fishing route. It was the center of trade on water. The part connecting the Verdronkenoord to the Voormeer consists of a fish market that is still present. In the past, many ships have been docked in the canal. At the end of the canal a skipper's house was also located at the Bierkade. In order to enter the city, one had to pay excise duty. In 1622 the Accijnstoren was built at the beginning of the canal. The Verdronkenoord lost its position as a busy waterway with the opening of the North Holland Canal. From 1824, merchants with the opening of the channel could reach their destination directly. Alkmaar was thus reduced as a destination for overnight and trade. The canal became a quiet place in the center. Trivia
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