Westhem

Westhem (West Frisian: Westhim) is a village in the Súdwest-Fryslân municipality, in the province of Friesland, the Netherlands. It had a population of around 70 in January 2017.[3]

Westhem
Westhim
Village
St Bartholomew church
St Bartholomew church
Location in the former Wymbritseradiel municipality
Location in the former Wymbritseradiel municipality
Westhem is located in Friesland
Westhem
Westhem
Location in the Netherlands
Westhem is located in Netherlands
Westhem
Westhem
Westhem (Netherlands)
Coordinates: 53°0′58″N 5°32′57″E
CountryNetherlands Netherlands
ProvinceFriesland Friesland
MunicipalitySúdwest-Fryslân Súdwest-Fryslân
Area
[1]
 • Total3.17 km2 (1.22 sq mi)
Elevation
[2]
−1.0 m (−3.3 ft)
Population
 (2021)[1]
 • Total70
 • Density22/km2 (57/sq mi)
Postal code
8616[1]
Dialing code0515

History

The village was first mentioned in the 13th century as "Westhem, alias Hemdijck". The etymology is unclear.[4] Westhem is a little terp (artificial living hill) village which developed in the middle ages. The terp part is called Feyteburen, and the linear settlement along the dike is called De Kat. In 1633, the Atsebuurstermeer, a former lake, was poldered and a sluice was built near De Kat.[5]

Around 1450, there was battle between the Vetkopers and Schieringers in Westhem and the church was burned down.[6] The current church was built in 1708. The tower dates from the 13th century and contains a bell from 1353.[5]

Westhem was home to 122 people in 1840. In 1949, it was given the status of village.[6] Until 2011 it belonged to the former municipality of Wymbritseradiel.[6]

  • View on Westhem
    View on Westhem
  • The church path through the fields
    The church path through the fields

References
  1. "Kerncijfers wijken en buurten 2021". Central Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  2. "Postcodetool for 8616LA". Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland (in Dutch). Het Waterschapshuis. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  3. Kerncijfers wijken en buurten 2017 - CBS Statline
  4. "Westhem - (geografische naam)". Etymologiebank (in Dutch). Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  5. "Westhem". Friesland Wonderland (in Dutch). Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  6. "Westhem". Plaatsengids (in Dutch). Retrieved 7 April 2022.

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