This week we are looking at a map of Vlissingen (Flushing) in Zeeland in 1750. The map is part of a series of topographical maps created by Anthonie and David Willem Coutry Hattinga.
Map of Vlissingen, 1750. Call no. 1713, collection HTA Vlissingen, Zeeuws Archief
The Austrian War of Succession (1740-1748), during which the French invaded the southern Netherlands, created a demand for accurate maps of the border area. The Hattinga brothers received a commission to survey the province of Zeeland.
The map shows the fortified harbor town of Vlissingen on the island of Walcheren, which protected the hinterland including Zeeland’s capital, Middelburg. On the map, the streets are marked with a number, with the street names indicated in the legend. Letters indicate the different locations of interest, including the gates (C-F), churches (G-K), town hall (L). It notes that the Oosterse Kerk [East Church], Princenhuijs [Prince’s house], and the Arsenaal [Arsenal] had burned down in 1749. Doubtless other houses in that part of town would have burned as well.
About Yvette Hoitink
