BRABANT FIGHTS AGAINST WATER
The development of the Biesbosch
Centuries ago the
Biesbosch was a savage, uncontrollable groups of islands.
But trough the flooding
of the rivers and the sea in combination with a big difference between tides,
there was a big variety in the water levels. This brought ooze upon the land and
soon the land was covered with rush, Elsebroek and wood. The trees and plants
are taking root and hold the clay together. So a swamp arouse and later a forest
on the place where first water reigned.
The first settlements
came and thankfully used the ground. Around the island they made a frame and
then used the island for agriculture or cattle breeding. In those days there was
so much land that the farms could provide enough food for the whole of Holland.
Many people came to the
Biesbosch to live there, because in the 15th century there was much
prosperity in the Biesbosch. But there wasn't enough work for everyone.
Consequently people started robbing and plundering.
Together with the
Bourgondische counties the plunderers came to fight the local population that
got support of the counties of Holland [ Hoekse counties]. This fight is
better known as the Hoekse and Kabeljauwse twisten.
A direct consequence of
the ''war'' was that there wasn’t any time left for improving the weak
and debilitate dikes. This would have very big consequences.
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