Last modified: 2001-06-30 by franc van diest
Keywords: noord holland [province] | netherlands | holland |
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Shipmate Flagchart : http://www.shipmate.nl/flags.htm
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The city of Alkmaar is c. 50 km north of Amsterdam, with c. 100.000
inhabitants on 3075 hectares. It is unknown when the settlement was founded, but
it is said that it was already old when it received city-rights in 1254. Its
fort with its impressive tower (which is depicted on CoA and flag) were used by
the Hollanders in their fight against the Frisians of Westfriesland. In 1573 it
was besieged by the Spaniards, who were ultimately repelled, hence the Dutch
expression "In Alkmaar begint de victorie" - in Alkmaar began victory
(a strange expression, since our history-books contain a lot of victories, and
our defeats were often even more glorious :-).
At present it is a modern town with an interesting historic center, where
tourists enjoy the "Kaasmarkt", with touristically authenticated
cheese-carriers.
The flag was inaugurated on 27 Aug 1920; the colors are derived from the CoA.
Jarig Bakker, 19 June 2001
International Civic Arms : http://www.ngw.nl/
All seals of Alkmaar from the 13th to the 17th century all show a castle. The motto was often used, but when the arms were granted in 1816 the motto accidentally was omitted.
Ralf Hartemink, 01 January 1997
Koedijk
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