Leerdam's origins as a fortified city are still evident in the south ramparts with their ‘mouse towers’. The city wall and its four gates are thought to have been built in the late fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries, while the bases of the towers known as the ‘mouse towers’ (Muizentorentjes) date from the same time. They were designed to protect the wall against ice surges and the waters of the Linge river. In times of war, cannons were positioned atop the towers to defend the city.
But how did the ‘mouse towers’ get this name? Around…
Leerdam's origins as a fortified city are still evident in the south ramparts with their ‘mouse towers’. The city wall and its four gates are thought to have been built in the late fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries, while the bases of the towers known as the ‘mouse towers’ (Muizentorentjes) date from the same time. They were designed to protect the wall against ice surges and the waters of the Linge river. In times of war, cannons were positioned atop the towers to defend the city.
But how did the ‘mouse towers’ get this name? Around 1837, a quay was constructed here and houses were built in what remained of the ruined old towers along the wall. Unfortunately, people were afraid to live in them, since the enemy could simply cross the water into your house. Consequently, the towers stayed vacant, making them a haven for mice and rats. Hence the name ‘mouse towers’! Today, these towers are still in use as shops and homes.