Our World Tuesday, ABC Wednesday, Z for Zutphen

Zutphen is an old city, which has seen a turbulent past and is already mentioned by the Romans. It has been inhabited continuously for 1700 years now. It is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands.
In about 800 the settlement was incorperated in the Frankish Empire.
In the 9th century Zutphen was destroyed by the Vikings. After this a round ring-wall and moat were built by the end of that century.

Borrowed from "Kijk op Zutphen"

In 1284 and 1336 large parts of the town were burnt down, which resulted   in the construction of brick buildings. Zutphen became a member of the Hanse league, a co-operation of traders and cities  particularly in North Germany.
The 16th century  became very difficult for Zutphen due to the rise of other cities and the Eighty Years'War with Spain.
On 10 June 1572 the town was occupied by a brother- in- law of William of Orange, but in November the Spaniards came back and killed hundreds of the inhabitants. This is called The Massacre of Zutphen.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created the ABC meme.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar . This week we are looking for words beginning with Z and then we will have finished round seventeen.

Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.Please click on our  logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar. Thank you Team of O.W.T

Zutphen now as we saw it on our walk.