Paneel 8 - Kruitmolen (gunpowder factory)
At a safe distance from Amsterdam, gunpowder factory 'De Oude Molen' was built in 1719. It was located on the northern side of the Bovenkerkerpolder. Here lay the Groote Loopveld, a straight road with a canal alongside it between the Old Village of Amstelveen and the Amstel River. Along this path, peat or other goods could be transported. Initially, the gunpowder factory was fueled by peat from the polder. In 1782, the factory exploded, and in 1953, there was another accident. During the last explosion, many dead cows were found in the surrounding pasture. The factory was permanently closed in 1990.
Krayenhoff Line
At the initiative of General Krayenhoff, a …
At a safe distance from Amsterdam, gunpowder factory 'De Oude Molen' was built in 1719. It was located on the northern side of the Bovenkerkerpolder. Here lay the Groote Loopveld, a straight road with a canal alongside it between the Old Village of Amstelveen and the Amstel River. Along this path, peat or other goods could be transported. Initially, the gunpowder factory was fueled by peat from the polder. In 1782, the factory exploded, and in 1953, there was another accident. During the last explosion, many dead cows were found in the surrounding pasture. The factory was permanently closed in 1990.
Krayenhoff Line
At the initiative of General Krayenhoff, a line of military posts was established in 1805 to defend Amsterdam. In case of war, large areas of land could be flooded, including the Bovenkerkerpolder. Along the northern ring canal, earth walls were erected with cannons behind them. One such battery was located right behind the gunpowder factory. To commemorate this precursor to the Defense Line of Amsterdam, a cannon is now stationed there.
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