haarlemsdagbladJun 8, 2026, 14:00

Messenger Jenning de Sanger had to deliver mail across 350 km of hostile territory in 1574

In 1574, following the Spanish capture of Haarlem, Jan Jansz (known as Jenning de Sanger) was appointed as a merchant messenger to deliver mail across 350 km of hostile territory to Douay. This appointment continued Haarlem's long-standing tradition of utilizing specialized messengers to manage official and commercial correspondence.

Politics Business Culture Haarlem Netherlands

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Based on reporting by haarlemsdagblad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Haarlem takes financial risk with new Spaarne Gasthuis construction

Haarlem is assuming significant financial risk by providing a 100 million euro guarantee and committing to purchase the current hospital site for 25 million euros to keep the Spaarne Gasthuis in the city. The initiative ensures 24-hour emergency care remains in Haarlem, though the city has deferred requirements for building staff housing.

More than 76,000 rental homes have already disappeared from the market – landlords complain about affordable rent legislation

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Johan Derksen: Of course Rob Jetten can relax and bathe the baby, there are no pressing issues in this country anyway

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Amsterdammer Coos Huijsen (87), first openly gay MP, dies

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