Verenigde Binnenpolders / “United Inner Polders”

(English translation:)

Verenigde Binnenpolders (“United Inner Polders”)

South of the Hoge or Spaarndammerdijk (the dike between Spaarndam and Spaarnwoude) lies an extensive peat meadow area known as the 'Verenigde Binnenpolders'. This area was reclaimed during the 10th and 11th centuries, with development proceeding from the Spaarne river towards Spaarnwoude. Initially, the land was used for arable farming, but soil subsidence caused it to become too waterlogged; livestock farming subsequently took its place.

Behind you lies the Wetering Sloot, which drained polder water into the IJ via a sluice in the Ringdijk (now the Ringweg). This arrangement remained in place until the construction of the Hoge Dijk to Spaarnwoude in the sixteenth century.

Ahead of you, the Kerkepad runs towards the Stompe Toren (“Stumpy Tower”) in Spaarnwoude. This tower stands on the oldest beach ridge in South Kennemerland. Medieval ditches, featuring an identical pattern on either side of the Spaarndammerdijk, can still be seen in the landscape. The numerous dike breaches, still recognizable as small ponds beside the dikes, are visible reminders of the many floods that plagued this part of Holland for centuries. . This historical marker was erected in 2026 by Gemeente Haarlem, Gemeente Haarlemmermeer. It is in Spaarndam in Haarlemmermeer North Holland Netherlands