Smalstad In 1403, Brouwershaven was granted city rights. But it remained a narrow town, a city too small to participate in the States of Zeeland. So you had no say as a town. In 1575, the barely fortified town was captured by Spanish troops and then set on fire. This was not allowed to happen again and earthen city walls were erected, surrounded by a wet moat. Five gates gave access to the city. In the storm surge of 1682, part of the fortifications are destroyed. The fortress was lifted in 1820, and then dismantled. As you can still see, the ramparts and moats on the east and north sides of the city have been preserved.
You may have heard of the Catshuis. The house in The Hague where the prime minister lives. This is named after Jacob Cats who also lived there and was council pensionary of Holland around 1640. This is similar to the prime minister. But it all started here in Brouwershaven. You have already walked past the house where Jacob Cats was born on 10 November 1577. It is on the corner of Kerkstraat and Noorddijkstraat.
He became known for his lyrics in verse form. So famous, in fact, that people used to have two books in their homes anyway, the Bible and a book by Cats. His most famous work was the book “Marriage” with useful tips for a good marriage: the marriage age, parenting and even bedtime lessons. Later, he became a politician and lawyer and so came to live in The Hague. There he dies in 1660, leaving to his two daughters a sum of 2.3 million guilders!
By now, you have collected a number of letters. These form a surname that you can find back on the market. This is how you find the pearl of resilience. When you have found her, look further. The pearls are scattered all over Zeeland! Search and find them all!
In February 1953, there was a big storm and many dykes in the south-west of the Netherlands broke under the force of the pounding water. It also affected Brouwershaven. Three people died and the water left behind a mess. Money was needed for reconstruction and it came from the municipality of Voorburg (near The Hague). This municipality adopted the town and donated 50,000 guilders (about 23,000 euros in conversion). Buildings and streets were repaired, but much more happened. For instance, 92 pairs of socks were knitted and all 220 schoolchildren received a present. A memorial stone was placed in the renovated Slingerbos to remember this special adoption. Question 2: Which municipality adopted Brouwershaven? Write down the 2nd letter.