Vlissingen, Middelburg, Grijpskerke

Michiel de Ruyter is the Netherlands' greatest naval hero. After more than 350 years, his name still appears on countless street signs, schools, hospitals and on a large naval ship. Once every fifty years, his birth anniversary is celebrated in a big way. This happens in Vlissingen, where Michiel de Ruyter was born on 24 March 1607. The residents of Vlissingen are still extremely proud of their ‘Michieltje’, as they affectionately call him. When visiting Vlissingen, you cannot miss the lieutenant-admiral general.

At a young age, Michiel regularly wandered through the port city. He is a real brat and plays all kinds of pranks. As a result, he is expelled from school at an early age. For a few pennies, he goes to work in the Lampsins brothers' rope-making shop. He does not do his best. De Ruyter has only one dream and that is to become a sailor.

At age 11, the time finally comes. He is allowed to join an armed ship bound for South America and the Caribbean. He likes the life at sea and the discipline on a ship. He quickly made a career in privateering and whaling. In 1636, De Ruyter became captain for the first time. After nine years, he earned enough money to buy his own ship. With the Salamander, he sailed the West Indies and North Africa as an independent captain-merchant.

In love, things do not go as well. Maayke Velders from the nearby village of Grijpskerke, whom Michiel married in 1631, dies after only a few months. As does his first child. On 1 July 1636, De Ruyter marries his second wife Neeltje Engels from Vlissingen. When his second wife dies in 1650, he decides to leave seafaring for good. He marries widow Anna van Gelder also from Vlissingen, whose husband died as a captain on a sea voyage. The composite family with six children (four by Michiel and two by Anna) go to live in the city centre at 13 Nieuwstraat.

The domestic tranquillity does not last long. Soon his former employer Lampsins knocks on the door. On behalf of the Zeeland Admiralty, he asks De Ruyter to join the war fleet as commander. At first, Michiel refuses. He had promised Anna to stay at home. But eventually, out of a sense of duty, he agrees to join one sea battle against the English. His innovative ideas and the strategic choices De Ruyter makes during the sea battle ensure the first Dutch victory in this battle. After returning to Vlissingen, De Ruyter is suddenly a naval hero.

Soon he is called upon again and begins his second career as a naval man. In 1655, the family leaves Vlissingen to live in Amsterdam. Until his death in 1676, De Ruyter fights in numerous naval battles and several wars. He defended sea routes important to Dutch trade and eventually made it to lieutenant admiral general. The highest rank in the navy.

Portrait: © Rijksmuseum via National Archives.

This premium itinerary was compiled by our editor: Elwin Croeze