Oudewater, Lopik, Schoonhoven, Haastrecht

Woerden, Oudewater and the Groot Waterschap Woerden wanted a higher water level in the 16th century so that larger ships could pass the lock more easily. Delft, Gouda and Rotterdam were against and were vindicated by the predecessor of master Frank Visser. The conflict even made it to the history booklet. Yet here too, whoever laughs last is best at laughing: in 1558 the water level was still raised. Oudewater has a black page in the same history booklet: the city was almost completely murdered by the Spaniards in 1575. Only three people survived. Schoonhoven played a role in the war between Flanders and Holland in the 14th century, because it chose the Flemish side. Stadholder William III regained control of the city through a ruse.