Groenveld


Groenveld is a town in the Dutch province of North Holland. It is a part of the municipality of Schagen, and lies about 11 km north of Heerhugowaard and 2 km south of the town of Schagen.
The statistical area "Groenveld", which also can include the surrounding countryside, has a population of around 190.

History

Groenveld was first mentioned in 1478 AD as "Groenvelt". The main street in the village, called "Groenveldsdijk", references to the dike that the village was built upon. The old windmill, called De Groenvelder, dates back to the early 16th century and was built to keep the surrounding land, in Dutch called Polder, dry from flooding and heavy rainfall. The Mill is still in use till present day.
Groenveld is located on the edge of the medieval land in the north-east that surrounds Schagen and the modern land in the southwest, which was created by polders since the early 17th century. In the nearby area, archaeological finds have been dated back till the 12th century and show human domestic activity of over 800 years old. The southwestern part of Groenveld has been marked as a "Territory with high archaeological values" and is protected by law.
Groenveld used to be part of the Sint Maarten administration area. In the 20th century, Groenveld became part of the municipality Harenkarspel. On January first, 2013, Groenveld became part of the municipality of Schagen.