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The Toll Privilege: Amsterdam’s 750th Birthday in a Hidden Treasure

16 December 2024 1 min. reading time The Low Countries Radio

The Toll Exemption Privilege—dated 27 October 1275—marks the very first mention of Amsterdam. In this podcast, senior curator of Amsterdam City Archives, Erik Schmitz, explains the significance of this artefact, describing it as “a tangible link to the foundation and resilience of the city,” that now celebrates its 750-year jubilee.

Listen to this podcast on Spotify

On 27 October 1275, Count Floris V of Holland issued a toll exemption to the village of Amsterdam as compensation for damage caused by his troops. This document remains the oldest known written reference to Amsterdam and is kept in a dark depot in the Amsterdam City Archives.

One of the curators and people responsible for keeping this document safe for the people of Amsterdam is Erik Schmitz. We had the privilege of speaking to him in October 2024, as Amsterdam kicked off its 750th jubilee year.

Our conversation spans from looking at the physical document itself, what it meant for Amsterdam’s growth over the centuries and how its significance has changed in line with the development of the city itself.

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Republic of Amsterdam Radio

Republic of Amsterdam Radio is a group of history nerds with a passion for telling stories, based in Amsterdam.
www.republicofamsterdamradio.com

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