Mystery solved: this is where the name Driemanspolder comes from

The Driemanspolder is a well-known neighborhood in Zoetermeer, but where does the name come from? And what exactly is the New Driemanspolder? We looked into it.

The Driemanspolder is a district in Zoetermeer with about 6,500 inhabitants. The district is located just south of the center, between the Dorp and Meerzicht districts. As the name suggests, the Driemanspolder is located in a former polder. And this piece of land has a long history. The polder became dry more than 350 years ago, in the year 1672.

17th century crowdfunding

Of course, the draining of the polder did not just happen. Drying was a time-consuming and expensive process and required investments. Regents from surrounding places such as Delft, Leiden, Gouda and Vlaardingen helped pay so that the polder could be turned into fertile land. A kind of 17th century form of crowdfunding!

The name Driemanspolder

Three directors were chosen from all participants: Johan van der Dussen (pensioner of Delft), Herman van der Meer (mayor of Leiden) and Jacobus van der Tocht (secretary of Gouda). The name of the polder is simply derived from the number of members of the management: three men.

The Prohibition

The area – with an area of ​​approximately 1000 hectares – was drained by eight mills. Under each mill there was a paddle wheel that scooped up the water. Four of the mills, those on Kerkaangelang, are still there. They can be used again in an emergency.
In July 1675, the dry milling was completed and 36 plots in the area, partly in Zoetermeer and partly in Stompwijk, were divided among twenty-two participants. The way in which this was distributed was remarkable, as it was done by drawing lots.

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The New Driemanspolder

The Driemanspolder district as we know it today dates from 1966. In that year, the first pile of the new district was driven into the ground. Zoetermeer also has the Nieuwe Driemanspolder, a nature reserve that opened to the public in 2020. This area – between Wilsveen (Zoetermeer) and Leidschenveen (The Hague) – serves to collect excess water during heavy rainfall. It is also a nature and recreational area, where you can spot many birds and other animals.

Also spotted a mystery?

Another mystery solved! Do you also have a question about Zoetermeer? Let us know via [email protected].

Sources: Memory of Zoetermeer, Zoetermeer Active, Municipality of Zoetermeer, Allefigures.nl