This week’s map was created in 1656 as part of a conference to settle a boundary dispute between Gelderland and Munster. Around Winterswijk, the border area was covered in moors, and it was unclear where Gelderland ended and Munster started. Farmers from both sides were continuously arguing over who had rights to graze sheep there or collect sods and firewood from those common areas. Nicolaas van Geelkercken was tasked with creating maps showing the border according to Gelderland sources.
One nice aspect of this map is that is shows individual farms along the border. This includes some farms where my ancestors lived in the hamlet of Woold near Winterswijk, including Roerdinck, “‘t Holler” [Roerdinkholder], “de Culf” [Kulve], “Meert” [Meerdink], and “Dam” [Damme]. This map is the earliest mention of some of these farms that I have found.
Border between Gelderland and Munster, 1656. Credits: Nicolaas van Geelkercken, collection Gelders Archief (public domain)
Detail showing Roerdink farm and surrounding farms
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Nice to see on an old map where the origins of my family lie. I suppose one of my ancesters left Woold and went farming in Henxel on “New Meert”, near the farm Kortschot. At least before 1619. I have visited the area’s in Woold and Henxel, but there is nothing left of the past…
I love this!! I have Meerdinks, too (I guess lots of people do, lol).
Along the border several stones were placed to indicate the boundary. About 1965 I have taken a picture of such a boundary stone in the Wooldse Veen. Are you interested?