The Hague

The Hague was originally a hamlet close to the count's castle built in the 13th century. The village was first recorded in a document dated 1370, but has never been granted a Charter. Charters entitled medieval villages to erect defence walls and dig moats to protect their citizens. It also gave villages certain privileges, including the right to administer justice. Attempts by The Hague to obtain a Charter were continuously thwarted, although noblemen in the Large Hall of the Count’s Castle administered justice. In 1811, The Hague was granted a 48-hour Charter by Napoleon, when he proclaimed The Hague 'Bonne Ville de l'Empire'. Passing through on his journey from Amsterdam to Paris he refused to stay in a village.
's-Gravenhage - which is the official name for The Hague and literally means 'the Count's hedge' - was never awarded city rights.
The Hague boasts many historical buildings. These include the Knight's Hall dating from the 13th century, the Mauritshuis Museum built by architect Jacob van Campen in 1644, monumental mansions from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, monuments to honour various monarchs and historical people who lived here, and magnificent Jugendstil and Art Nouveau buildings. Architect H.P. Berlage designed several eye-catching edifices, including the imposing Gemeentemuseum The Hague and Villa Henny. The Statenkwartier, Duinoord, Zeeheldenkwartier and the Archipelbuurt areas are examples of the characteristic architecture of this Royal City.