Oentsjerk (Dutch: Oenkerk) is a village in Tytsjerksteradiel in the province of Friesland, the Netherlands. It had a population of around 1,784 in January 2017.[3] Oentsjerk is known for its agricultural practical training centre and large elderly care facility, the two largest employers of the town.
Oentsjerk
Oenkerk | |
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Village | |
St Mary's Church | |
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Coat of arms | |
Location of the village in Tytsjerksteradiel | |
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| Area | |
| • Total | 3.81 km2 (1.47 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 0.7 m (2.3 ft) |
| Population (2021)[1] | |
| • Total | 1,995 |
| • Density | 520/km2 (1,400/sq mi) |
| Postal code | 9062[1] |
| Dialing code | 058 |
The village was first mentioned in 1408 as Ontzerka, and means "church of Oene (person)".[4] Oentsjerk developed in the middle ages on a sandy ridge. Later, it was extended along the Leeuwarden to Dokkum road.[5]
The Protestant church was built in 1230 as a replacement of a 12th century predecessor. It has been enlarged and altered multiple times and restored between 1974 and 1976.[5]
Several estates were built near Oentsjerk, however only Stania State has remained. Eysinga State has become a retirement home.[6] The stins Stania State was probably built in the 16th century. The current estate dates from 1843. Around 1520, it was turned into a castle-like building. In 1546, it became a property of the van Heemstra family who owned it for two centuries, but let it deteriorate. In 1738, it was demolished. In 1843, a new manor house by Looxma who had made a fortune in oil mills. A large garden designed by Lucas Roodbaard [nl] is laid out. In the 1930s, it became a youth hostel, conference centre and contained an outpost of the Fries Museum. In the 1970s, it was bought by the municipality who later sold it a company as an office building.[7]
Oentsjerk was home to 441 people in 1840.[6] In the late-20th century it became a commuter's village.[8]
two entries
Media related to Oentsjerk at Wikimedia Commons
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