Stede Broec is a municipality in the north-western Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. The name Stede Broec derives from "stede" (meaning city) and "broec" (meaning swamp).

Population centers

Since January 1, 1979 the municipality consists of the villages Bovenkarspel (population as of 2003: 10,618), Grootebroek (8,166) and Lutjebroek (2,383).

History

Grootebroek and Bovenkarspel together received city rights in 1364, under the name of Broek. In 1402 Lutjebroek shared in the city rights and Hoogkarspel joined in 1403. Andijk was the fifth to join in 1786. In 1825 the city was dissociated.

Stede Broec is located in the region West-Friesland consisting of all the land surrounded by the West-Friese Omringdijk, a dike which then protected the land against the dangers of the tides of the Zuider Zee.

Bovenkarspel

Legionella outbreak

In March, 1999 an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease occurred during a flower exhibition in Bovenkarspel. Many people were hospitalized in Hoorn. 200 people became ill and at least 32 people died. Probably more people died and were buried before Legionella infection was recognized. The source of the bacteria were probably a whirlpool and a moisturizer in the exhibition area.

Railway stations

Bovenkarspel-Grootebroek, Bovenkarspel Flora.

External link

• Official website (Dutch)