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Arkel (The Netherlands)

Zuid-Holland province

Last modified: 2014-06-28 by andrew weeks
Keywords: alblasserdam |
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[Arkel flag] by Jarig Bakker, 28 Apr 2005
adopted 13 Mar 1984; design: Hoge Raad van Adel See also:

Arkel former municipality

Arkel is a former municipality in Zuid-Holland province, since 1986 part of Giessenlanden.
Flag: white two red horizontal stripes embattled both ways
adopted 13 Mar 1984; design: Hoge Raad van Adel
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This is the coat of arms of the bold van Arkel family, one of the most powerful in Holland. It had its residence in the castle of Arkel. They were defeated in the Arkelse Oorlog (war) by Count Willem VI of Holland in 1412. The last van Arkel died fighting Wiilem's daughter, Jacoba van Beieren, Countess of Holland. Even now the extension of their possession can be seen when watching the municipal arms in Holland.

There is a rhyme:

Brederode de edelste,
Wassenaar de oudste,
Egmond de rijkste,
Arkel de boudste

Brederode the noblest,
Wassenaar the oldest,
Egmond the richest,
Arkel the boldest

Alas - it went from bad to worse, as the Arkels are nicknamed "Jeneverkruiken" (gin-jars), as they love jenever, especially "ouwe klare" - which is the real good (bad) stuff.
Source: Vexilla Nostra 19 (132) - 51.
Dirk van der Heide's "Groot Schimpnamenboek van Nederland", 1998.
Jarig Bakker, 28 Apr 2005

Arkel Coat of Arms

[Arkel Coat of Arms] by Jarig Bakker, 28 Apr 2005
Granted 28 Dec 1817

Arms: argent two fesses embattled counter embattled