Delft

Delft, one of the most ancient towns of South Holland, is situated on the Schie, 8 miles NW. of Rotterdam by rail, and is intersected by numerous canals. Delft was noted from the 16th to the 18th century for its delft-ware (see POTTERY), but has now entirely lost its high reputation for this manufacture, and not more than a few dozen persons are engaged in making earthenware. Of several interesting buildings, one, the town-hall (1618), is a picturesque and richly adorned edifice. The New Church (1476) contains a monument, more ornate than tasteful, to the memory of William I. of Orange, who was assassinated here, 10th July 1584. It also contains the tomb of Grotius, and the burial-vaults of the present royal family of Holland. The Old Church, a building of some note, contains the tomb of the naturalist, Leeuwenhoek, and of the great admiral, Van Tromp. Delft has also a state arsenal, an East Indian college, a polytechnic, and several hospitals. There are some manufactures of fine carpets, casks, baskets. Pop. (1876) 23,804; (1895) 31,964.