Gaastmeer (West Frisian: De Gaastmar) is a village in Súdwest-Fryslân in the province of Friesland, the Netherlands. It had a population of 295 in January 2017.[3]

History

The village was first mentioned in 1245 as Gersmere, and used to mean "grassland near water", however erroneously evolved into gaast meaning higher land.[4] Gaastmeer was an isolated village between the Fluessen [nl] and the Groote Gaastmeer [nl]. It was well connected via water, but had no road connections. It used to be a fishing village, and used to specialise in European eel. During the 18th and 19th century, the fishermen of Gaastmeer and neighbouring Heeg used to have their own wharf in London.[5]

Gaastmeer was home to 95 people in 1840.[6] The Protestant Church dates from the 19th century and was rebuilt in 1953. The wooden tower was constructed in 1940.[6] From 1962 onwards, many recreational homes were built in Gaastmeer.[5]

Before 2011, the village was part of the Wymbritseradiel municipality.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Kerncijfers wijken en buurten 2021". Central Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  2. ^ "Postcodetool for 8611JH". Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland (in Dutch). Het Waterschapshuis. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  3. ^ Kerncijfers wijken en buurten 2017 - CBS Statline
  4. ^ "Gaastmeer - (geografische naam)". Etymologiebank (in Dutch). Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  5. ^ a b "Gaastmeer". Friesland Wonderland (in Dutch). Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  6. ^ a b c "Gaastmeer". Plaatsengids (in Dutch). Retrieved 5 April 2022.

Media related to Gaastmeer at Wikimedia Commons


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