Leerdam

Leerdam
Municipality
City walls and Glass Centre
Flag Coat of arms
Location in South Holland
Coordinates: 51°54′N 5°6′E / 51.900°N 5.100°E / 51.900; 5.100Coordinates: 51°54′N 5°6′E / 51.900°N 5.100°E / 51.900; 5.100
Country	Netherlands
Province	South Holland
Government
• Body	Municipal council
• Mayor	Rinus Houtman (SGP)
Area
• Total	34.42 km2 (13.29 sq mi)
• Land	33.79 km2 (13.05 sq mi)
• Water	0.63 km2 (0.24 sq mi)
Elevation	1 m (3 ft)
Population (May 2014)
• Total	20,563
• Density	609/km2 (1,580/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Leerdammer
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postcode	4140–4145, 4163
Area code	0345
Website	www.leerdam.nl

Leerdam (Dutch: [leːrˈdɑm]; population: 20,563 in 2014) is a city and municipality in the western Netherlands, in the province of South Holland.

The municipality covers an area of 34.42 km² (13.29 sq mi) of which 0.63 km² (0.24 sq mi) is water. It comprises the town of Leerdam, the rural villages Kedichem, Schoonrewoerd and Oosterwijk. The south border of the town is formed by the river Linge. Leerdam is the most eastern town of the province of South Holland and is situated almost exactly in the middle of the three highways A2, A15 and A27.

Leerdam received city rights in 1407. The small river Linge, bordered by beautiful water meadows, defines the atmosphere and tone of the landscape. Several centuries ago Leerdam formed a part of the Vijfheerenlanden domain, before it was raised to the level of County in 1498.

In 1551, Leerdam, together with Acquoy, became property of the House of Orange and part of the County of Holland.

The rich history of Leerdam can be found in well-kept historic buildings such as the Grote Kerk (Great Church), the Hofje van Mevrouw van Aerden (Mrs. Aerden Almshouses, now a museum), the remaining and restored city walls on the Zuidwal and the Oude Raadhuis (Old City Hall).

Leerdam in 1866.

Historical map of the Vijfheerenlanden

Two laughing boys with mug of beer by Frans Hals; Hofje van Mevrouw van Aerden, Leerdam