Van dorp tot stad

Gorinchem originated around the year 1000 as a settlement at the mouth of the Linge River and the Merwede River. The town was first mentioned in a document concerning toll exemption in 1224. From the 13th^de century, Gorinchem developed into a medieval town under the Lords of Arkel. At the end of the 14th^e In the 1382th century, Gorinchem acquired a city wall with gates and towers. In 15, Otto van Arkel granted Gorinchem city rights. The city flourished in the XNUMXth century.^de-17^de century as part of Holland and grew into an important market and port town with a flourishing fishing industry and trade. In the 16^de century, the fortifications were expanded and modernized to better defend the city.