City in the province of Noord-Brabant. Founded in the 11th century, it was an important fortressduring the Revolt, held and captured alternatively by the Dutch and the Spaniards. In 1637, it was finally occupied by the Republic. In 1667, a treaty of peace was negotiated in the city between diplomats of the Republic and the British, bringing an end to the Second Anglo-Dutch War at sea. The town, with about 137,000 inhabitants, now houses many industries, such as machinery, paint, and chocolate. It is the seat of several educational and religious institutions, including an academy of arts, a school for tourism, and a bishopric.
Historical Dictionary of the Netherlands. EdwART. 2012.