two cannons at Hellevoetsluis (NL)
Posted by: 
Axel-F
N 51° 49.179 E 004° 07.717
31U E 577790 N 5741581
Two cannons at the port entrance of the fortress village Hellevoetsluis
Waymark Code: WMJBZ8
Location: Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Date Posted: 10/27/2013
Views: 17
History
The history of Hellevoetsluis has always been connected with water. During the time of the United Provinces Hellevoetsluis was the naval port of the Admiralty of de Maze (Rotterdam) and could accommodate an entire fleet within a special land-enclosed fortress with harbour and dockyard facilities, accessible through a canal. Thanks to its strategic situation the town grew from the beginning of the 17th century to be the homeport for the Dutch war fleet. In later years the port was fortified more and more and Hellevoetsluis therefore became a unique combination of fortified town and naval port. The Admirals Maarten Tromp, Michiel de Ruyter and Piet Heyn had their home base here and in 1688 during the Glorious Revolution William III of Orange's invasion fleet departed from the port.
Hellevoetsluis in 1866.
The Kanaal door Voorne (Canal through Voorne) was built in 1830 from Hellevoetsluis to Nieuwesluis (near Heenvliet) and made Hellevoetsluis an outport of Rotterdam. It was a period when the town grew and flourished; the shipping industry provided prosperity.
In the first half of the 20th century, however, Hellevoetsluis went into decline. Ocean-going ships became too large to use the canal and the Nieuwe Waterweg was dug, making the Canal through Voorne redundant. The naval base was relocated to Den Helder in the 1930s, the Government shipyard was closed, and during World War II the Germans destroyed three quarters of all buildings in 1944. They also used the canal as a base for Biber submarines.[5]
After World War II Hellevoetsluis grew considerably. As a New Town the population doubled in the 1970s. Today 43,000 inhabitants live in modern houses with abundant green areas nearby. It is home to many commuters working in Europoort or Rotterdam.
About the cannons....
Not much documentation on the two cannos was found. They are just remains of the old days.
What type of artillery is this?: cannoa
Where is this artillery located?: Other
What military of the world used this device?: Dutch
Parking location to view this Waymark: N 51° 49.208 E 004° 07.788
Cost?: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Artillery is no longer operational: yes
Still may work: no
Are there any geocaches at this location?:
Not at this exact spot. Nearest traditional approx 150 meters (near a ship)
Date artillery was in use: Not listed
Date artillery was placed on display: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Two pictures are required for this Waymark. Please take a close up picture of the artillery. Take a second with the artillery in the distance and capture as much of the surroundings as possible. Name the Waymark with first the name of the area and second what the artillery is. An example would be if it were a cannon in front of the Montgomery Armory you would name the Waymark: Montgomery Armory Cannon.