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Coordinates: 53°24′N 5°19′E / 53.400°N 5.317°E / 53.400; 5.317
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{{short description|One of the West Frisian Islands in the Netherlands}}
{{short description|West Frisian island in the Netherlands}}
{{Refimprove|date=May 2015}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2015}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->
<!-- Name and transliteration -->
<!-- Name and transliteration -->| name = Terschelling
| name = Terschelling
| native_name = {{native name|fy|Skylge|icon=no}}
| settlement_type = [[List of municipalities of the Netherlands|Municipality]] and [[island]]
| native_name = {{native name|fy|Skylge|icon=no}}
<!-- Images, nickname, motto -->| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| settlement_type = [[List of municipalities of the Netherlands|Municipality]] and [[island]]
| total_width = 280
<!-- Images, nickname, motto -->
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage|position=center
| border = infobox
| perrow = 1/2/1
| photo1a = Brandaris, Terschelling - panoramio (1).jpg
| caption_align = center
| photo2a = Commandeurstraat 30 in West-Terschelling -01.jpg
| image1 = Brandaris, Terschelling - panoramio (1).jpg
| photo2b = Formerum.jpg
| alt1 = Lighthouse
| photo3a = Drenkelingenhuisje terschelling IMG 4190.jpg
| caption1 = [[Brandaris|Lighthouse]]
| size = 260
| image2 = Commandeurstraat 30 in West-Terschelling -01.jpg
| spacing = 2
| alt2 = Museum West-Terschelling
| color = #FFFFFF
| caption2 = Museum West-Terschelling
| border = 0
| image3 = Formerum.jpg
| foot_montage = {{nobreak|Images, from top down, left to right: [[Brandaris|Lighthouse]],}}<br>{{nobreak|Museum West-Terschelling, [[Koffiemolen, Formerum|Mill of Formerum]],}}<br>{{nobreak|Emergency shelter for shipwreck victims}}}}
| image_alt =
| alt3 = Mill of Formerum
| image_caption =
| caption3 = [[Koffiemolen, Formerum|Mill of Formerum]]
| image_flag = Flag of Terschelling.svg
| image4 = Drenkelingenhuisje terschelling IMG 4190.jpg
| flag_size = 100x67px
| alt4 = Emergency shelter for shipwreck victims
| flag_alt =
| caption4 = Emergency shelter for shipwreck victims
}}
| image_shield = Terschelling wapen.svg
| shield_size = 100x80px
| image_alt =
| shield_alt =
| image_caption =
| image_flag = Flag of Terschelling.svg
<!-- Maps, coordinates -->
| image_map = Terschelling locator map municipality NL 2018.png
| flag_size = 100x67px
| map_alt = Highlighted position of Terschelling in a municipal map of Friesland
| flag_alt =
| map_caption = Location in Friesland
| image_shield = Terschelling wapen.svg
| coordinates = {{coord|53|24|N|5|19|E|region:NL|display=inline,title}}
| shield_size = 100x80px
| shield_alt = <!-- Maps, coordinates -->
| coordinates_footnotes =
| image_map = Terschelling locator map municipality NL 2018.png
| subdivision_type = Country
| map_alt = Highlighted position of Terschelling in a municipal map of Friesland
| subdivision_name = [[Netherlands]]
| subdivision_type1 = Province
| map_caption = Location in Friesland
| coordinates = {{coord|53|24|N|5|19|E|region:NL|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_name1 = [[Friesland]]
| coordinates_footnotes =
| government_footnotes = <ref name="mayor_now">{{cite web
| subdivision_type = Country
|url = http://www.terschelling.nl/politiek-en-bestuur/college-van-bw_3607/
| subdivision_name = [[Netherlands]]
| subdivision_type1 = Province
| subdivision_name1 = [[Friesland]]
| government_footnotes = <ref name="mayor_now">{{cite web
|url = https://www.terschelling.nl/collegeleden-en-werkwijze
|title = College van B&W
|title = College van B&W
|trans-title = Board of mayor and aldermen
|trans-title = Board of mayor and aldermen
|language = Dutch
|language = nl
|publisher = Gemeente Terschelling
|publisher = Gemeente Terschelling
|accessdate = 29 September 2013
|access-date = 29 September 2013
|url-status = dead
|url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20131002141627/http://www.terschelling.nl/politiek-en-bestuur/college-van-bw_3607/
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131002141627/http://www.terschelling.nl/politiek-en-bestuur/college-van-bw_3607/
|archivedate = 2 October 2013
|archive-date = 2 October 2013
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
| governing_body = [[Municipal council (Netherlands)|Municipal council]]
| governing_body = [[Municipal council (Netherlands)|Municipal council]]
| leader_party = [[Groenlinks]]
| leader_party = [[VVD]]
| leader_title = [[Burgemeester|Mayor]]
| leader_title = [[Burgemeester|Mayor]]
| leader_name = [[Bert Wassink]]
| leader_name = [[Caroline van de Pol]]
<!-- Geographic information -->
<!-- Geographic information -->| unit_pref = Metric
| unit_pref = Metric
<!-- ALL fields with measurements have automatic unit conversion -->
<!-- ALL fields with measurements have automatic unit conversion -->
<!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
<!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->| area_footnotes = <ref>{{Dutch municipality total area|dataref}}</ref>
| area_footnotes = <ref>{{Dutch municipality total area|dataref}}</ref>
<!-- square kilometers -->| area_total_km2 = {{Dutch municipality total area|Terschelling}}
| area_land_km2 = {{Dutch municipality land area|Terschelling}}
<!-- square kilometers -->
| area_total_km2 = {{Dutch municipality total area|Terschelling}}
| area_water_km2 = {{Dutch municipality water area|Terschelling}}
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name="AHN">{{cite web
| area_land_km2 = {{Dutch municipality land area|Terschelling}}
| area_water_km2 = {{Dutch municipality water area|Terschelling}}
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name="AHN">{{cite web
|url = http://www.ahn.nl/postcodetool
|url = http://www.ahn.nl/postcodetool
|title = Postcodetool for 8881EB
|title = Postcodetool for 8881EB
|trans-title=|language = Dutch
|language = nl
|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->
|author = <!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->
|date =
|work = Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland
|work = Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland
|publisher = Het Waterschapshuis
|publisher = Het Waterschapshuis
|accessdate = 29 September 2013}}</ref>
|access-date = 29 September 2013}}</ref>
| elevation_m = 6
| elevation_m = 6
| elevation_max_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| elevation_max_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| elevation_max_m =
| elevation_max_m =
| elevation_min_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| elevation_min_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| elevation_min_m =
| elevation_min_m = <!-- Population, demographics -->
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{Dutch municipality population|dataref}}</ref>
<!-- Population, demographics -->
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{Dutch municipality population|dataref}}</ref>
| population_total = {{Dutch municipality population|Terschelling}}
| population_total = {{Dutch municipality population|Terschelling}}
| population_as_of = {{MONTHNAME|{{Dutch municipality population|popbasemonth}}}} {{Dutch municipality population|popbaseyear}}
| population_as_of = {{MONTHNAME|{{Dutch municipality population|popbasemonth}}}} {{Dutch municipality population|popbaseyear}}
| population_density_km2 = {{Dutch municipality population density|Terschelling}} <!-- For automatic calculation: auto-->
| population_demonym = Terschellinger
| population_density_km2 = {{Dutch municipality population density|Terschelling}} <!-- For automatic calculation: auto-->
<!-- Other information -->| timezone1 = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| population_demonym = Terschellinger
| utc_offset1 = +1
<!-- Other information -->
| timezone1 = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| timezone1_DST = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| utc_offset1 = +1
| utc_offset1_DST = +2
| timezone1_DST = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| postal_code_type = [[Postal codes in the Netherlands|Postcode]]
| utc_offset1_DST = +2
| postal_code = 8880–8897
| postal_code_type = [[Postal codes in the Netherlands|Postcode]]
| area_code_type = [[Telephone numbers in the Netherlands|Area code]]
| postal_code = 8880–8897
| area_code = 0562
| website = {{URL|1=https://www.terschelling.nl/}}
| area_code_type = [[Telephone numbers in the Netherlands|Area code]]
| area_code = 0562
| footnotes = {{Designation list
| website = {{URL|1=http://www.terschelling.nl}}
| footnotes = {{Designation list
| embed = yes
| embed = yes
| designation1 = Ramsar
| designation1 = Ramsar
| designation1_offname = Duinen Terschelling
| designation1_offname = Duinen Terschelling
| designation1_date = 29 August 2000
| designation1_date = 29 August 2000
| designation1_number = 2215<ref>{{Cite web|title=Duinen Terschelling|website=[[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar]] Sites Information Service|url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/2215|accessdate=25 April 2018}}</ref>}}
| designation1_number = 2215<ref>{{Cite web|title=Duinen Terschelling|website=[[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar]] Sites Information Service|url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/2215|access-date=25 April 2018}}</ref>}}
}}
}}
[[File:Terschelling-natuur-OpenTopo.jpg|{{largethumb}}|Dutch Topographic map of Terschelling, Dec. 2014]]
[[File:Terschelling-natuur-OpenTopo.jpg|upright=1.35|thumb|Dutch Topographic map of Terschelling, Dec. 2014]]
[[File:Bosplaat.JPG|upright=1.35|thumb|The {{Interlanguage link|Boschplaat nature reserve|lt=Boschplaat|nl|Boschplaat (Terschelling)}}]]
[[File:Bosplaat.JPG|{{largethumb}}|The "Bosplaat"]]


'''Terschelling''' ({{IPA-nl|tɛrˈsxɛlɪŋ|-|465 Terschelling.ogg}}; {{lang-fry|Skylge}}; Terschelling dialect: ''Schylge'') is a [[municipality]] and an [[island]] in the northern [[Netherlands]], one of the [[West Frisian Islands]]. It is situated between the islands of [[Vlieland]] and [[Ameland]].
'''Terschelling''' ({{IPA|nl|tɛrˈsxɛlɪŋ|-|465 Terschelling.ogg}}; {{langx|fy|Skylge}}; Terschelling dialect: ''Schylge'') is a [[Municipalities of the Netherlands|municipality]] and an [[island]] in the northern [[Netherlands]], one of the [[West Frisian Islands]]. It is situated between the islands of [[Vlieland]] and [[Ameland]].


[[Wadden]] Islanders are known for their resourcefulness in using anything and everything that washes ashore. With few trees to use for timber, most of the farms and barns are built with masts recovered from shipwrecks. The islands are surrounded by shipwrecks, and even today many containers wash ashore that are blown off the decks of [[container ships]] in the North Sea.
[[Wadden Sea|Wadden]] Islanders are known for their resourcefulness in using anything and everything that washes ashore.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} With few trees to use for timber, most of the farms and barns are built with masts recovered from shipwrecks. The islands are surrounded by shipwrecks, and even today many containers wash ashore that have blown off the decks of [[container ships]] in the North Sea.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}


The main source of income on Terschelling is tourism. There is some agriculture, but a large part of the island has become a nature reserve.
The main source of income on Terschelling is tourism. There is some agriculture, but a large part of the island has become a nature reserve.
Line 108: Line 107:
Terschelling is well known for the yearly [[Oerol Festival]] during which theatre performances are played throughout the island, making use of its landscape and nature.
Terschelling is well known for the yearly [[Oerol Festival]] during which theatre performances are played throughout the island, making use of its landscape and nature.


Terschelling can be reached by ferry from the mainland Frisian town [[Harlingen, Netherlands|Harlingen]] and from [[Vlieland]] by high-speed catamaran.
Terschelling can be reached by [[ferry]] from the mainland Frisian town [[Harlingen, Netherlands|Harlingen]] and in summer from [[Vlieland]] by [[High-speed craft|high-speed]] [[Catamaran#Passenger transport|catamaran]].


==History==
==History==
The island in its current shape was formed in the [[Middle Ages]] from a sandy area called De Schelling in the west and the original island Wexalia in the east. The name Wexalia, Wuxalia, or Wecsile is the medieval name of eastern Terschelling. However, this name disappeared at the end of the Middle Ages. The last appearance of the name Wexalia is in a treaty between Folkerus Reijner Popma, then ruler of Terschelling, with king [[Edward IV]] of England in 1482.
The island in its current shape formed in the [[Middle Ages]] from a sandy area called De Schelling in the west and the original island Wexalia in the east. The name Wexalia, Wuxalia, or Wecsile is the medieval name of eastern Terschelling. However, this name disappeared at the end of the Middle Ages. The last appearance of the name Wexalia is in a treaty between Folkerus Reijner Popma, then ruler of Terschelling, with king [[Edward IV]] of England in 1482.


The oldest traces of civilisation on Terschelling date from around 850, when a small wooden church was built on a hill near Seerip or Strip. This hill was later used as a burial ground and is known as the "Striperkerkhof".
The oldest traces of civilization on Terschelling date from around 850, when a small wooden church was built on a hill near Seeryp or Stryp (Striep). This hill was later used as a burial ground and is known as the "Strieperkerkhof".


Historically, tensions existed between the inhabitants of West-Terschelling, with its strong orientation towards the sea, and the more agriculturally oriented inhabitants of East-Terschelling. In 1612 this led to the division of the island into independent political entities, West-Terschelling and East-Terschelling. Only after the French occupation at the start of the 19th century was Terschelling again united as one entity.
Historically, tensions existed between the inhabitants of West-Terschelling, with its strong orientation towards the sea, and the more agriculturally oriented inhabitants of East-Terschelling. In 1612 this led to the division of the island into independent political entities, West-Terschelling and East-Terschelling. Only after the French occupation at the start of the 19th century was Terschelling again united as one entity.
Line 119: Line 118:
The Dutch navigator [[Willem Barentsz]] was born on Terschelling around 1550.
The Dutch navigator [[Willem Barentsz]] was born on Terschelling around 1550.


In 1666 West-Terschelling was ransacked by the English. The English fleet had originally planned to attack the Dutch merchant fleet which was moored before the coast of [[Vlieland]], the next island to the west. When the Dutch vessels retreated towards Terschelling, the English followed, destroyed 150 Dutch vessels, and landed in the harbour of West-Terschelling. The town was burnt to the ground by the English on this occasion which would become known as "[[Holmes' Bonfire]]" after the English admiral [[Sir Robert Holmes]]. The [[Great Fire of London]] in the very same year was considered by some to have been God's retribution. The next year, in 1667, the Dutch under command of [[Michiel de Ruyter|De Ruyter]] executed a retaliatory expedition, and dealt the English navy a heavy blow at the [[Raid on the Medway]] (also known as the Battle of Chatham), in effect ending the [[Second Anglo-Dutch War]].
In 1666 West-Terschelling was ransacked by the English. The English fleet had originally planned to attack the Dutch merchant fleet which was moored before the coast of [[Vlieland]], the next island to the west. When the Dutch vessels retreated towards Terschelling, the English followed, destroyed 150 Dutch vessels, and landed in the harbour of West Terschelling. The town was burnt to the ground by the English on this occasion which would become known as "[[Holmes' Bonfire]]" after the English admiral [[Sir Robert Holmes]]. The [[Great Fire of London]] in the very same year was considered by some{{who|date=April 2020}} to have been God's retribution. The next year, in 1667, the Dutch under command of [[Michiel de Ruyter|De Ruyter]] executed a retaliatory expedition, and dealt the English navy a heavy blow at the [[Raid on the Medway]] (also known as the Battle of Chatham), in effect ending the [[Second Anglo-Dutch War]].{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

In 1799, [[HMS Lutine|HMS ''Lutine'']], a [[United Kingdom|British]] frigate loaded with British [[gold]], sank on the western Terschelling coast (was erroneously quoted in the lemma on Texel) in a storm. Her wreck shifted in the sands; despite several intensive, well-financed searches, only a few treasures have been found. A beaker made from a silver bar is displayed in the [[National Maritime Museum]] at Greenwich. Her bell was recovered and is now in the headquarters of [[Lloyd's of London]], where it is tolled before announcing important news.

Until 1942 Terschelling, like Vlieland, was part of the province of [[North Holland]].


==Language==
==Language==
Line 127: Line 130:
The island is known for being one of only two [[Wadden]] islands where [[cranberry|cranberries]] grow, the other being the island of Vlieland. In 1840, a barrel of cranberries, apparently packed by sailors as an [[antiscorbutic]], washed ashore on the island's coast, and the islanders cultivated them for their own sailors.
The island is known for being one of only two [[Wadden]] islands where [[cranberry|cranberries]] grow, the other being the island of Vlieland. In 1840, a barrel of cranberries, apparently packed by sailors as an [[antiscorbutic]], washed ashore on the island's coast, and the islanders cultivated them for their own sailors.


The cranberries, finding the environment favourable, established themselves on the island. Nowadays, the cranberry fields cover {{convert|0.48|km²|sqmi|3|abbr=on}} or {{convert|48|ha|acre|0|abbr=on}}. The cranberries are mainly sold to tourists and used by the island's restaurants and bakeries.
The cranberries, finding the environment favorable, established themselves on the island. Nowadays, the cranberry fields cover {{convert|0.48|km2|sqmi|3|abbr=on}} or {{convert|48|ha|acre|0|abbr=on}}. The cranberries are mainly sold to tourists and used by the island's restaurants and bakeries.


== Population centres ==
== Population centres ==
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Areas in Terschelling are the following:
Areas in Terschelling are the following:
(Standard [[West Frisian language|West Frisian]] names in brackets)
(Standard [[West Frisian language|West Frisian]] names in brackets)
{{columns-list|colwidth=12em|
* [[Baaiduinen]] (Baaidunen)
* [[Formerum]] (Formearum)
* Hee
* [[Hoorn, Friesland|Hoorn]] (Hoarne)
* Kaard
* [[Kinnum]] (Kinum)
* [[Landerum]]
* [[Lies, Friesland|Lies]]
* [[Midsland]] (Midslân)
* [[Midsland aan Zee]] (Midslân oan See)
* Midsland-Noord (Midslân-Noard)
* [[Oosterend, Terschelling|Oosterend]] (Easterein)
* Seerijp (Stryp)
* West aan Zee (West)
* [[West-Terschelling]] (seat) (West-Schylge)
}}
[[File:Barents.jpg|135px|thumb|portrait of Willem Barents, 16/17 C]]


== Notable people ==
*[[Baaiduinen]] (Baaidunen)
* [[Bauck Poppema]] (died 1501), legendary Dutch heroine
*[[Formerum]] (Formearum)
* [[Willem Barentsz]] (c. 1550 – 1597), Dutch navigator, cartographer and Arctic explorer; the [[Barents Sea]] was named after him.
*[[Hee, Friesland|Hee]]
* [[Frank I. Kooyman]] (1880–1963), Dutch hymnwriter
*[[Hoorn, Friesland|Hoorn]] (Hoarne)
* [[Hessel (singer)|Hessel van der Kooij]] (born 1955), Dutch singer
*[[Kaard]]
* [[Joris Voest]] (born 1995), Dutch professional footballer
*[[Kinnum]] (Kinum)
*[[Landerum]]
*[[Lies, Friesland|Lies]]
*[[Midsland]] (Midslân)
*[[Midsland aan Zee]] (Midslân oan See)
*[[Midsland-Noord]] (Midslân-Noard)
*[[Oosterend, Terschelling|Oosterend]] (Easterein)
*[[Seerijp]] (Stryp)
*[[West aan Zee]] (West)
*[[West-Terschelling]] (seat) (West-Schylge)

{{wide image|Schylge Panorama.jpg|800px|Panorama of Terschelling, including [[Brandaris]], the [[lighthouse]] of Terschelling.}}


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery mode=packed>
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Terschelling_040.JPG
File:Terschelling_040.JPG|the isle of Terschelling
File:Terschelling 155.JPG|Shop in Terschelling
File:Terschelling_071.JPG
File:Terschelling_071.JPG|the isle of Terschelling
File:Midsland aan zee - panoramio (1).jpg
File:Terschelling_042.JPG
File:Terschelling_042.JPG|Terschelling, Commandeurstraat
File:Terschelling 155.JPG
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{wide image|Schylge Panorama.jpg|770px|Panorama of Terschelling, including [[Brandaris]], the [[lighthouse]] of Terschelling.}}

== Notable people ==
* [[Bauck Poppema]] (died in Friesland 1501) a legendary Dutch heroine
* [[Willem Barentsz]] (c.1550 – 1597) a Dutch navigator, cartographer and Arctic explorer; the [[Barents Sea]] was named after him.
* [[Frank I. Kooyman]] (1880–1963) a hymnwriter
* [[Hessel (singer)|Hessel van der Kooij]] (born 1955) a popular Dutch singer, known as ''Hessel''
* [[Joris Voest]] (born 1995) a Dutch professional footballer


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 175: Line 178:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://www.terschelling.nl}}
{{Commons category|Terschelling}}
{{wikivoyage|Terschelling}}
* {{Official website|http://www.terschelling.nl}}
*[http://www.vvvterschelling.nl Tourist office website]
*[http://www.vvvterschelling.nl Tourist office website]


{{Sister bar|auto=y}}
{{Geographic location
{{Geographic location
| Centre = Terschelling
| Centre = Terschelling
Line 192: Line 194:
{{Friesland Province}}
{{Friesland Province}}
{{Frisian Islands}}
{{Frisian Islands}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Terschelling| ]]
[[Category:Terschelling| ]]
[[Category:Municipalities of Friesland]]
[[Category:Municipalities of Friesland]]
[[Category:Former municipalities of North Holland]]
[[Category:Islands of Friesland]]
[[Category:Islands of Friesland]]
[[Category:West Frisian Islands]]
[[Category:West Frisian Islands]]

Latest revision as of 02:10, 1 November 2024

Terschelling
Skylge
Municipality and island
Lighthouse
Lighthouse
Museum West-Terschelling
Museum West-Terschelling
Mill of Formerum
Mill of Formerum
Emergency shelter for shipwreck victims
Emergency shelter for shipwreck victims
Flag of Terschelling
Flag
Coat of arms of Terschelling
Coat of arms
Highlighted position of Terschelling in a municipal map of Friesland
Location in Friesland
Coordinates: 53°24′N 5°19′E / 53.400°N 5.317°E / 53.400; 5.317
CountryNetherlands
ProvinceFriesland
Government
[1]
 • BodyMunicipal council
 • MayorCaroline van de Pol (VVD)
Area
[2]
 • Total
673.99 km2 (260.23 sq mi)
 • Land85.26 km2 (32.92 sq mi)
 • Water588.73 km2 (227.31 sq mi)
Elevation
[3]
6 m (20 ft)
Population
 (January 2021)[4]
 • Total
4,870
 • Density57/km2 (150/sq mi)
DemonymTerschellinger
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postcode
8880–8897
Area code0562
Websitewww.terschelling.nl
Official nameDuinen Terschelling
Designated29 August 2000
Reference no.2215[5]
Dutch Topographic map of Terschelling, Dec. 2014
The Boschplaat [nl]

Terschelling (Dutch pronunciation: [tɛrˈsxɛlɪŋ] ⓘ; West Frisian: Skylge; Terschelling dialect: Schylge) is a municipality and an island in the northern Netherlands, one of the West Frisian Islands. It is situated between the islands of Vlieland and Ameland.

Wadden Islanders are known for their resourcefulness in using anything and everything that washes ashore.[citation needed] With few trees to use for timber, most of the farms and barns are built with masts recovered from shipwrecks. The islands are surrounded by shipwrecks, and even today many containers wash ashore that have blown off the decks of container ships in the North Sea.[citation needed]

The main source of income on Terschelling is tourism. There is some agriculture, but a large part of the island has become a nature reserve.

Terschelling is well known for the yearly Oerol Festival during which theatre performances are played throughout the island, making use of its landscape and nature.

Terschelling can be reached by ferry from the mainland Frisian town Harlingen and in summer from Vlieland by high-speed catamaran.

History

[edit]

The island in its current shape formed in the Middle Ages from a sandy area called De Schelling in the west and the original island Wexalia in the east. The name Wexalia, Wuxalia, or Wecsile is the medieval name of eastern Terschelling. However, this name disappeared at the end of the Middle Ages. The last appearance of the name Wexalia is in a treaty between Folkerus Reijner Popma, then ruler of Terschelling, with king Edward IV of England in 1482.

The oldest traces of civilization on Terschelling date from around 850, when a small wooden church was built on a hill near Seeryp or Stryp (Striep). This hill was later used as a burial ground and is known as the "Strieperkerkhof".

Historically, tensions existed between the inhabitants of West-Terschelling, with its strong orientation towards the sea, and the more agriculturally oriented inhabitants of East-Terschelling. In 1612 this led to the division of the island into independent political entities, West-Terschelling and East-Terschelling. Only after the French occupation at the start of the 19th century was Terschelling again united as one entity.

The Dutch navigator Willem Barentsz was born on Terschelling around 1550.

In 1666 West-Terschelling was ransacked by the English. The English fleet had originally planned to attack the Dutch merchant fleet which was moored before the coast of Vlieland, the next island to the west. When the Dutch vessels retreated towards Terschelling, the English followed, destroyed 150 Dutch vessels, and landed in the harbour of West Terschelling. The town was burnt to the ground by the English on this occasion which would become known as "Holmes' Bonfire" after the English admiral Sir Robert Holmes. The Great Fire of London in the very same year was considered by some[who?] to have been God's retribution. The next year, in 1667, the Dutch under command of De Ruyter executed a retaliatory expedition, and dealt the English navy a heavy blow at the Raid on the Medway (also known as the Battle of Chatham), in effect ending the Second Anglo-Dutch War.[citation needed]

In 1799, HMS Lutine, a British frigate loaded with British gold, sank on the western Terschelling coast (was erroneously quoted in the lemma on Texel) in a storm. Her wreck shifted in the sands; despite several intensive, well-financed searches, only a few treasures have been found. A beaker made from a silver bar is displayed in the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich. Her bell was recovered and is now in the headquarters of Lloyd's of London, where it is tolled before announcing important news.

Until 1942 Terschelling, like Vlieland, was part of the province of North Holland.

Language

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On the island of Terschelling both Dutch, the national language of the Netherlands, and Frisian are spoken. Historically, Frisian dialects have dominated on the western and eastern sides of the island while a Dutch dialect called Midslands has been the main language of Midsland and the surrounding area at the center of the island. However, the use of the three dialects is on the decline, and all three are slowly being replaced by the standard Dutch language.

Cranberries

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The island is known for being one of only two Wadden islands where cranberries grow, the other being the island of Vlieland. In 1840, a barrel of cranberries, apparently packed by sailors as an antiscorbutic, washed ashore on the island's coast, and the islanders cultivated them for their own sailors.

The cranberries, finding the environment favorable, established themselves on the island. Nowadays, the cranberry fields cover 0.48 km2 (0.185 sq mi) or 48 ha (119 acres). The cranberries are mainly sold to tourists and used by the island's restaurants and bakeries.

Population centres

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Areas in Terschelling are the following: (Standard West Frisian names in brackets)

portrait of Willem Barents, 16/17 C

Notable people

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  • the isle of Terschelling
    the isle of Terschelling
  • Shop in Terschelling
    Shop in Terschelling
  • the isle of Terschelling
    the isle of Terschelling
  • Terschelling, Commandeurstraat
    Terschelling, Commandeurstraat
Panorama of Terschelling, including Brandaris, the lighthouse of Terschelling.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "College van B&W" [Board of mayor and aldermen] (in Dutch). Gemeente Terschelling. Archived from the original on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
  2. ^ "Kerncijfers wijken en buurten 2020" [Key figures for neighbourhoods 2020]. StatLine (in Dutch). CBS. 24 July 2020. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  3. ^ "Postcodetool for 8881EB". Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland (in Dutch). Het Waterschapshuis. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
  4. ^ "Bevolkingsontwikkeling; regio per maand" [Population growth; regions per month]. CBS Statline (in Dutch). CBS. 1 January 2021. Retrieved 2 January 2022.
  5. ^ "Duinen Terschelling". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
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