Locks Schardam

The locks at Schardam have played an important role in the water management of North Holland above the IJ since the late Middle Ages. In 1315, the Schardam was constructed, which closed off the connection of the Zuiderzee to the inland waters of the Noorderkwartier, and in 1357 Count Willem V of Holland granted permission to build a new lock there. The village now (2009) has three locks: the Noorderlock and Zuidersluis and the northern Hornsluis located near Lutje Schardam. All these locks were built in their current form (of stone) by the former Hoogheemraadschap of the Outflowing Locks in Kennemerland and West-Friesland, the Zuidersluis in 1592, the Noordersluis in 1738, and the Hornsluis in 1735 (on behalf of the main landowners of the Beemster). Before that time, there must have been wooden locks. Nowadays (2009), the three locks are managed by the Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier, which has its headquarters in Edam.

Nemook