Texel and the VOC

Until the end of the 16th century, Dutch trade was focused mainly on the Baltic Sea. Goods from India were bought from Portuguese traders, who supplied mainly through the port of Antwerp.

'India-trade'

The war with Spain changed this. Spain and Portugal made a pact, and at the same time the Spaniards conquered Antwerp. The supply of products from the Far East halted, causing more and more plans to start sailing 'the East' themselves. The plans were executed mainly by numerous merchants from South-Netherlands, who settled in the north after Antwerp was overthrown. They brought the money, the contacts and the knowledge to enable a successful 'India-trade'.

Competition

Initially, the trade towns sent their ships to the East separately. There was no co-operation whatsoever. To the contrary: the competition was so fierce, that the Dutch parliament intervened in 1602. All companies that traded with the East, had to merge into one large commercial enterprise: the VOC. This was the beginning of the Golden Age. The VOC shipped merchandise such as herbs, spices, cotton, silk and china to Europe.

Bankrupt

For a great number of years, the VOC controlled all contacts between Northwest- Europe and Asia. The decline of the VOC in the second half of the 18th century has several causes, of which the most important was probably the maritime dominance of the English, isolating the republic. In 1799, the VOC went bankrupt.

Texel Roads

Texel's roadstead was already a household word in the 15th century. Ships departing from towns on the Zuiderzee, dropped anchor at Texel's roadstead to sail to Baltic countries, France, Spain, Portugal and later also East India when the winds were advantageous. Especially in the 17th and 18th century, Texel's roadstead was very busy. Ships were loaded and unloaded; Texel pilot ships and supply boats sailed to and fro and on the dyke, passers-by stood and watched the bustle.