Highways A9 and A22 intersect near Beverwijk. It is a municipality and a city in the province of North Holland. Beverwijk lies about 20 kilometers northwest of Amsterdam. It sits in the Randstad metropolitan area.
Beverwijk’s story begins with its name. It originates from “Bedevaartswijk”. This means “pilgrimage neighborhood”. The town grew around the Saint Agatha Church. This church was a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. Legend says Agatha of Sicily appeared there. She appeared to a virgin from Velsen. The virgin was fleeing the Count of Kennemerland.
In 1276, Beverwijk gained market rights. Floris V, Count of Holland, granted these rights. In 1298, city rights followed. John I, also Count of Holland, granted these.
Around 1640, a new town emerged in the Dutch colony of New Netherland. It was named Beverwyck. Today, that town is known as Albany, New York. Beverwijk’s influence stretched across the ocean.
During the 17th century, Amsterdam’s wealthy merchants arrived. They built estates in the scenic dunes around Beverwijk. Huize Akerendam, Huize Westerhout, and Huize Scheijbeeck became their retreats. Some transformed old strongholds like Adrichem Castle into country homes.
Before the IJ Bay reclamation, Beverwijk was North Holland’s narrowest point. A defensive line was built here in 1800. This followed the Battle of Castricum in 1799.
In 1944, during World War II, tragedy struck. Germans raided houses in Beverwijk and Velsen-Noord. They seized about 500 hostages. This was to force the surrender of those who killed three collaborators. Sixty-three never returned.
The Parallel Road saw a new beginning around 1977. The first furniture stores opened, creating the Netherlands’ first “furniture boulevard”. By 1981, ten businesses thrived there. In 1980, the Bazaar was introduced south of this boulevard.
Beverwijk faced a dark day on March 23, 1997. Supporters of AFC Ajax and Feyenoord clashed. This event became known as the “Battle of Beverwijk”. One Ajax supporter was killed.
Since 1997, a special event has taken place. The Special Needs Judo Foundation hosts its annual OBG tournament. It is held in Sporthal De Walvis. It features over 1000 special needs judoka from around the world. The tournament occurs every April.
Beverwijk consists of two main areas. There is Beverwijk proper. There is also Wijk aan Zee, a coastal area 5 kilometers to the west.
Many notable people have called Beverwijk home. Richard Aertsz was a Dutch Renaissance painter. Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen also painted during the Northern Renaissance. Wil Velders-Vlasblom served as Mayor of Beverwijk. Peter Pontiac was a Dutch cartoonist. Astrid Joosten is a Dutch TV personality.
Beverwijk has a rich history. It has evolved from a pilgrimage site. It became a merchant haven. It is now a modern Dutch city. It maintains connections to its past.