Koningsbosch

Geschiedenis

Koningsbosch is a village within the municipality of Echt-Susteren, in the Dutch province of Limburg. Koningsbosch is located next to the German border, approximately 10 kilometres east of the town of Echt.The neighbourhood of Koningsbosch, which also includes the hamlets Echterbosch, Spaanshuisken, Aan Reijans and the surrounding countryside, covers an area of 0.27 km², has 1.711 inhabitants (as of 1 May 2005) and consists of some 700 houses. The village is slowly growing with the younger generation moving in and the recent construction of additional playgrounds and a community center.The main roads within the village are the Prinsenbaan and the Kerkstraat.HistoryThe name Koningsbosch, "King's Forest", dates back from the time of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. Charles V had some possessions in the region, including some forests, hence the name Koningsbosch.In those days the forests were guarded by a Spanish forest keeper. The house he lived in was called Spaanshuisken, "Spanish House". The hamlet Spaanshuisken evolved around this house.The parish of Koningsbosch was founded in 1861. The first priest was Petrus Antonius Kelleners. The first church was built in 1863, designed by the famous Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers. However, this church soon proved to be too small. Therefore a new church was built by Cuypers' former employee Jan Stuyt in 1926. This church still exists today.