West-Graftdijk | |
---|---|
Village | |
Coordinates: 52°33′N 4°48′E / 52.550°N 4.800°E | |
Country | Netherlands |
Province | North Holland |
Municipality | Alkmaar |
Area | |
• Total | 3.01 km2 (1.16 sq mi) |
Elevation | −1.7 m (−5.6 ft) |
Population (2021)
[1] | |
• Total | 745 |
• Density | 250/km2 (640/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+1 ( CET) |
• Summer ( DST) | UTC+2 ( CEST) |
Postal code | 1486
[1] |
Dialing code | 072 |
West-Graftdijk is a village in the Dutch province of North Holland. It is a part of the municipality of Alkmaar, and lies about 10 km south of the city of Alkmaar. The village has a small historical church, and to the north there is the bird area Eilandspolder.
The village was first mentioned in 1578 as "Graefdyeck ofte Vuylen Graft", and means " dike on (de Vuylen) Graft River". West- has been added to distinguish from Oost-Graftdijk. [3] West-Graftdijk developed on the former island Schermereiland in the second half of the 16th century after a dike was built around the lake. [4]
The Dutch Reformed church is an aisleless church with wooden tower which was built on a terp (artificial living hill) in 1651. The church was extensively modified in 1792. [4] West-Graftdijk was home to 465 people in 1840. [5]