The Hague canal book

the waterways of the town centre in old photographs, 1855-1950


Spui around 1901	Wagenbrug (‘Wagon Bridge’) in 1896

The Hague is not known for its canals, like Amsterdam, but almost all of the canals that enclose the town centre have been preserved. Up to around 1900, water could also be found at Spui, Turfmarkt, Amsterdamse Veerkade, Brouwersgracht and Nieuwe Haven.

With over 100 very clearly printed photographs, The Hague canal book proves that the waterways of The Hague used to offer lively and picturesque views.

Kees Stal describes in the introduction how The Hague got its canals and lost many of them again.

Zoutkeetsingel in the winter of 1926.

Ferry at Koninginnegracht near Dr. Kuyperstraat in the thirties.

Bridge between Boekhorststraat and Koningstraat in 1906, with the new tram line 2.

Wagenbrug on a postcard of c. 1900. The narrow bridge formed an obstacle for ships.

Groenewegje on February 15th 1943, with the barge (‘tjalk’) Zorg en Vlijt from Rotterdam. (Collection of Spaarnestad Fotoarchief).

Spui near Bierkade, seen in the direction of Zieken. Photo taken around 1902 by C.J. de Gilde. In 1904 the water was filled in.

Dutch text, with English summaries
Hard cover
120 pages of 22 x 24 cm
Compiled and written by Wim de Koning Gans
Published by De Koning Gans Publishers
ISBN 90-803208-5-4

Sold out but to be ordered at Antiqbook (Antiquariaat Jac. Verloop)

Bierkade photographed by Maria Hille in 1860. In the distance, the old Ladies’ and Orphans’ Home can be seen, established in 1660 and pulled down around 1867.

Houtweg on a picture taken by Alexandrine Tinne in 1861.

Smidswater seen from J.H. Bückmann’s home and photo studio in 1855.

The map of 1682 by C. Elandts shows the girdle of canals surrounding The Hague.

for more about canals in The Hague and Amsterdam visit

Duinoord and Zorgvliet in old photographs

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