View of the Heicop

View of the Heicop

For centuries, Kockengen had an agricultural function. Because of their marshy nature, the peat meadows were better suited to cattle breeding than to arable farming. On the many farms in the village, cheese was mainly made. Here at the Heicop there are some particularly beautiful specimens.

The water of the great Heicop was of good quality. That is why laundries and bleaching factories were located on this canal. This is where the laundry was done for the large country estates on the Vecht and for people from the city. The water was also used to brew beer. Every village had its own brewery, including Kockengen. The wall anchors in the façade of the brewery on the 19th-century drawing indicate the year 1697. In 1738 the owner received permission to place a well chair (or well gallows) to draw water from the canal with a bucket. The hoist is prominently displayed on the bank. At the end of the 19th century, the local breweries became unprofitable and ceased their activities. It wasn't just the brewery that disappeared... Spot the differences between the drawing and reality!

Route: Walk to the next lamppost.

ZichtopdeVechtstreek