Schoonhoven was founded on the estuary of the “Zevender,” a small peat river flowing from the holm of Lopik to the river Lek. Schoonhoven obtained its rights as an independent town in 1280. In those days, Schoonhoven made a living from shipping, beer brewing, hemp growing, cattle breeding, fishing and the textile industry. Schoonhoven was also the regional market place.The town consisted of – in addition to numerous houses – a castle, cloisters & a port and it was enclosed by an impressive wall with towers and porches. Due to wars and fires, this has all faded away, although the structure of the old town is still clearly recognizable. Schoonhoven has its little canals, intimate streets, beautiful walls and patrician houses and buildings, like this monumental Town Hall.
Schoonhoven is called the Silvertown because of its silver industry. In 1375 the lord of Schoonhoven decided that a silversmith should work in the town. The number of silversmiths increased over the years. In particular, the small silver work that was found in the 18th and 19th centuries is typical of the products that came from Schoonhoven. Even today many people are employed by the silver industry, but not as many as in previous years due to a dramatic increase in the price of silver in the eighties.
The only silver craft school in Holland is located in Schoonhoven. Here 800 pupils are educated and trained to work in the gold and silver industry as designers, jewelers, etc. In our museum (www.ngzkm.nl) and in the “House of Noble Craft,” you will find samples of the products made by these pupils. A variety of small silver shops is scattered throughout the city. Schoonhoven is well known for its pottery and for its clocks and watches in particular. In the museum you can find a unique and exclusive collection of the latter.
Schoonhoven is situated on the Lek. In the past as well as today, this river was and still is an important factor in the economic and cultural development of Schoonhoven. The Lek is one of the important waterways for the transit of goods to and from Rotterdam and Germany. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the banks of the Lek have been connected by a ferry service, which is used very intensely. The Lek also has an important function in water recreation. During the summer, many people visit the port of Schoonhoven by boat.