The first water line in the Netherlands has been constructed in Friesland. It was already built in 1580 to stop the Spaniards, especially the capital Leeuwarden to protect against attacks from the south. This line was mainly guarded with sconces, these were constructed in the landscape with only ramparts and a moat around it. A redoubt usually has a star shape with bastions, similar to a fortress, except that a redoubt is not permanently occupied by troops.
The route of the Frisian Waterline
The line starts at the Zuiderzee and continues its router along the river Linde to the village of Blesse then to Kuinre, Heerenveen, Terband, Gorredijk via Donkerbroek and Bakkeveen and ends in Frieschepalen.
Using the line
After construction, the line was used during the Dutch Revolt (80 Years' War) and during the Disaster Year 1672. The Bishop of Münster wanted Leeuwarden but the deployment of the line failed to reach the city.
Source:
Friesewaterlinie.nl
Wikipedia.nl
forten.nl
