The origins of the name Coevorden
(text: Huib D. Minderhoud)
The only plausible explanation for the origin of the name Coevorden is because of the presence of a ford in the swamp, where the peasants could let their cows cross without too much trouble. In ‘Old Low Saxon’ a ‘voorde’ was a ford, and so the name Coevorden (Cow Ford) came to be. This ford, between all the peat bogs, became a strategic point on the thoroughfare that ran from Friesland and Groningen to well into Germany.
From Coevorden to Vancouver
Vancouver is a metropolis, Coevorden a provincial town. There is no comparison and yet they are tied together in history by the Lords of Coevorden and Captain George Vancouver. Now Vancouver is preparing to receive the competitors at the Winter Olympic Games. A sporting event without equal, taking place in the city names after Captain George Vancouver. Coevorden too will get ready to joun in this party, albeit in a more modest way. Coevorden - Vancouver, a connection that endures.
The first Lord of Coevorden to come to prominence was Rudolf, who in 1227 defeated Bishop Otto II of Utrecht in the swamby valley of the creek called the Little Vecht. The Bishop lost his life at this the 'Battle of Ane', and Rudolf would lose his life in Hardenberg in 1231 having been betrayed, imprisoned and then executed. New battles followed and it was not until the end of 1233 that the new Bishop Otto III was able to bring about a lasting peace. The rights of the farmers of Drenthe were acknowledged, and thus Drenthe aquired a large measure of independent government.
Curious?
Read more about the historical stories about Coevorden and Vancouver on pages 16 up to 29 of the special Vancouver Magazine.