The Slaperdijk

In the Gelderse Valley, between Veenendaal and Renswoude, lies a remarkable dike. From the dike itself, hardly any water can be observed; no river, sea, or lake seems to threaten the area. The name Slaperdijk tells enough. As long as the dike between Wageningen and the Grebbeberg does not break, the Slaperdijk can continue to rest.

Flooding in the Valley

However, the Valley was the scene of flooding for centuries. Because the water level in the Rhine is as much as six meters higher than in the IJsselmeer, there was great danger during high water in the river. The Grebbedijk regularly failed over the years. According to the inhabitants of Utrecht, this was because the Gelderlanders paid insufficient attention to the dike. Thus, the water could flow unimpeded into the Valley, with all the consequences that followed. After the breach in 1595, the Grebbedijk near Rhenen was reinforced. Nevertheless, the area flooded again in 1599, 1643, and 1651. The likelihood of flooding actually increased due to deforestation in Germany, which caused this catchment area to retain less water during rainfall. Furthermore, the Rhine was confined, resulting in a narrower flow of water. During the floods, the water passed the Emminkhuizerberg on both sides. After reaching Renswoude (+6 m N.A.P.), the water could flow on to Woudenberg, Amersfoort (+2.5 m), and Nijkerk (+0.1 m).

On December 7, 1652, it was decided to construct a slaperdijk between the Amerongse Berg and the Emminkhuizerberg. Due to the tense atmosphere between Gelderland and Utrecht, it was decided not to continue the dike towards the higher Ede, but to choose a northern route east of Renswoude. The dike was not built all at once. An important part was constructed in 1652-'54, starting at the Amerongseberg and extending past the 'grand canal' in Renswoude. The second part to Daatselaar was only completed in 1664. By 1711, it became clear that water could now flow around the Slaperdijk. In 1799, this dike was connected to the Groeperkade, so that Renswoude was theoretically surrounded by dikes. History showed that the Slaperdijk was vulnerable; at the Munnikenheul, the water broke through the dike in 1855 after yet another breach of the Grebbedijk.

The Arnhem road between De Klomp and Renswoude cuts through the dike, thus forming a breach. This opening can still be closed off with beams, which are stored in a small shed. During the May days of '40, this area formed the 'support point Slaperdijk', defended by the 2nd section M.C. of the 22nd Infantry Regiment. They successfully defended themselves against the 368th German Infantry Regiment.

Bomoto