Woudsend

Woudsend (West Frisian: Wâldsein) is a village in Súdwest-Fryslân in the province of Friesland, the Netherlands. It had a population of around 1,380 in January 2017.^[3]

Woudsend Wâldsein
Village
Flag Coat of arms
Location in the former Wymbritseradiel municipality
Woudsend Location in the Netherlands Show map of Friesland Woudsend Woudsend (Netherlands) Show map of Netherlands
Coordinates: 52°56′34″N 5°37′39″E
Country	Netherlands
Province	Friesland
Municipality	Súdwest-Fryslân
Area [1]
• Total	1.30 km2 (0.50 sq mi)
Elevation [2]	0.2 m (0.7 ft)
Population  (2021)[1]
• Total	1,380
• Density	1,100/km2 (2,700/sq mi)
Postal code	8551[1]
Dialing code	0514

There are two windmills in the village, 't Lam and De Jager.^[4]

History

The village was first mentioned in 1337 as Woldesende, and means "end (edge) of the wood".^[5] Woudsend is a village from the Middle Ages that developed along the Ee [nl] river. The economy was mainly based on trade and shipping. The village was densely settled and is characterised by many narrow alleys.^[6]

The Dutch Reformed church was built in 1660 as a replacement of the medieval church. The new church was not well founded and started to subside. In 1835, it was decided to build a new church on the other side of the village. The church was completed in 1837.^[7][4] The Catholic St Michael Church was built in 1792 as a clandestine church behind a residential house. In 1933, a tower was added and the church was enlarged.^[4] In 1722, a clandestine Mennonite church was built. It was rebuilt in 1858, but sold in 1968 and now serves as a pub.^[4]

The village used to be located on the eastern side of the Ee river. During the 19th century, it was extended to the western side of the river.^[4] Woudsend was home to 1,181 people in 1840.^[7] Before 2011, the village was part of the Wymbritseradiel municipality.^[7]

Gallery

• 
  House in Woudsend
• 
  House in Woudsend
• 
  Street view
• 
  Alley in Woudsend