De Baarsjes in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Cornelis Dirkszoon
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 4, 2026
1. Cornelis Dirkszoon Marker
Burgemeester van Monnickendam en leider van de watergeuzen aan het begin van de Tachtigjarige Oorlog. Hij werd benoemd tot admiraal voor de wateren rond West-Friesland.
Mayor of Monnickendam and leader of the watergeuzen (Sea Beggars) at the start of the Eighty Years' War. He was appointed admiral for the waters around West Friesland.
Erected by Geef Straten Een Gezicht.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Wars, Non-US • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Dutch Naval History (GSEG), and the Give Streets a Face / Geef Straten Een Gezicht series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1542.
Location. 52° 22.308′ N, 4° 51.475′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in De Baarsjes. It is at the intersection of Cornelis Dirkszstraat and Krommertstraat, on the left when traveling west on Cornelis Dirkszstraat. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Cornelis Dirkszstraat 12HS, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1056 TR, Netherlands.
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Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Benelux Low Countries, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Krommertstraat (within shouting distance of this marker); Johan Anthoniszoon van Riebeeck (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); Jan Carel Josephus van Speijk (about 150 meters away); Johan Evertsen (about 180 meters away); Philips van Almonde (about 210 meters away); Joos de Moor (about 210 meters away); Rosa Boekdrukker (about 240 meters away); Willem II van der Marck Lumey (approx. 0.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amsterdam.
Also see . . . Cornelis Dirkszoon (Wikipedia, in Dutch). Overview (in translation):
Cornelis Jansz Dirkszoon (c. 1542 Monnickendam, 13 August 1583) was mayor of Monnickendam and a leader of the Sea Beggars (Geuzen) during the early stages of the Eighty Years' War.(Submitted on June 12, 2026.)
CornelisDirkszoon became mayor of Monnickendam in 1572 and a captain of the Sea Beggars on 23 May of that year. In 1573, they appointed him their "admiral" (a term denoting a command role rather than a formal rank) for the waters surrounding West Friesland. That same year, he was officially appointed Lieutenant-Admiral of Holland and West Friesland. In this capacity, he became best known for the Battle of the Zuiderzee in 1573, in which he defeated the Spanish fleet but was himself shot in the right arm. In 1574, he is referred to as "Admiral of the Zuiderzee and the inland waters"again, a functional title rather than a rank, as Lodewijk van Boisot had held the position of Lieutenant-Admiral of Holland and West Friesland since 4 March. In 1576, he commanded an attack on Muiden.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein2. Cornelis Dirkszoon Marker - wide view
On 6 March 1579, he became Vice-Admiral of the newly formed Admiralty of the Northern Quarter; Johan van Duvenvoorde (15471610) had held the post of Lieutenant-Admiral of Holland and West Friesland since 1578. The Van Duvenvoorde familywhich later changed its name to Van Wassenaer Obdamproduced several Lieutenant-Admirals.
Fort Dirks Admiraal near Den Helder is named after him. Dirkszoon bore the nickname "Poppedamme"; his descendants would adopt the surname "Admiraal" in reference to their famous ancestor. One of his descendants, Elizabeth Admiraal, had a chalk mill built in Buiksloot in 1792; it is known as D'Admiraal to this day.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 12, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
