Places - The Netherlands - Arcen
Arcen is located in the north of the municipality of Venlo, a part of the Dutch Limburg. Arcen is also located at the most eastern bend of the Maas river.
History
Arcen belonged to the territory of Straelen in the early Middle Ages. In 1064 Arcen was given to the Abby of Siegburg by the countess Irmentrudis. In 1330 Arcen seceded from Straelen and became a separate manor that was a fief from Gelre. At that time Arcen had staple rights on the Maas. The manor subsequently belonged to the properties of the Van Buren brothers. In the 14th century, Arcen had a reinforced wall with 3 entrance gates. These defenses were to ward off punitive expeditions from competing cities, such as Venlo. In 1503 Arcen obtained the market right. In 1586 Arcen was burned to the ground by the inhabitants of Venlo, including the St. Barbara Monastery, which was a bit further outside the walls. In 1635 and 1646 Arcen was destroyed by war and in 1681 a city fire caused much damage. After 1648 Arcen was occupied by the Spaniards. During the War of the Spanish Succession Aren was occupied by Prussian troops until 1814. During the 19th and 20th centuries, numerous residential areas were built, mainly on the north side.
Arcen used to belong to the municipality of Arcen en Velden. This was merged into the municipality of Venlo in 2010.
