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This 1801 plan of Flushing (Vlissingen), engraved and published by J. Luffman in Select Plans, presents a detailed view of the fortified town and port on the island of Walcheren, in the province of Zeeland, Netherlands. The map highlights Vlissingen’s strategic coastal location at the mouth of the West Scheldt, approximately eight miles south of Middelburg, emphasizing its role as a key naval and commercial stronghold.
Vlissingen is depicted as a fortified city, enclosed by bastions, ramparts, and moats, reflecting its military significance in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The North Sea forms the town’s western boundary, with a prominent harbor and port facilities extending into the water. The internal street grid is well-organized, featuring a mix of residential, commercial, and military structures. Several key locations are marked with corresponding letters and identified in the legend.
Among the notable sites listed, A. The Church stands as the central religious institution, while B. The Port signifies the importance of maritime trade and defense. C. The Prince’s House likely served as a residence for Dutch nobility or military leadership. The presence of D. The English Church reflects historical ties with British merchants and military interests. The town’s commercial center, E. The Market, and the F. Town House, the seat of local government, further underscore Vlissingen’s economic and administrative importance. The city's three main gates—G. The East Gate, H. Middelburg Gate, and I. Altena Gate—provided controlled access, reinforcing the town’s strategic fortifications.
At the time this map was published in 1801, Vlissingen was a vital Dutch naval base with a long history of maritime and military significance. It played an essential role in the defense of the Scheldt Estuary, a critical waterway leading to Antwerp. The town was frequently contested in European conflicts, particularly between the Dutch, French, and British. During the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815),Vlissingen was occupied by French forces and later bombarded by the British in the Walcheren Campaign of 1809.
This map exemplifies the early 19th-century British cartographic tradition, using soft pastel colors to distinguish different land and water features. The engraved lines carefully depict the defensive walls and canals, while the elegant typography and decorative compass rose enhance its clarity and aesthetic appeal. The scale bar in feet at the bottom provides a reference for distance.
Luffman’s map of Vlissingen serves as both a military reference and an informative geographical document, illustrating the town’s strategic importance at the turn of the 19th century. As part of the Select Plans series, it provided British readers with accurate depictions of key European towns and cities, particularly those with military or commercial significance. This plan remains a valuable historical artifact, offering insight into the urban form and defenses of one of the Netherlands’ most important coastal cities.
