founding of 's-Hertogenbosch
Duke Henry I of Brabant founds a fortified settlement on a sandy ridge between the rivers Dommel and Aa.
city rights granted by Henry I
Duke Henry I grants 's-Hertogenbosch official city rights, giving the city self-governance and trading privileges.
start of construction of St. John's Cathedral
Construction begins on what would later become St. John's Cathedral, one of the most important Gothic churches in the Netherlands.
hieronymus bosch active in the city
The painter Hieronymus Bosch lives and works in 's-Hertogenbosch, creating his famous imaginative paintings.
The Bossche Broek as a defensive landscape
The marshy grounds south of the city are deliberately used and maintained as a natural line of defence against besiegers.
Siege and conquest by Frederick Henry
Stadtholder Frederick Henry conquers 's-Hertogenbosch from the Spanish after a lengthy siege, bringing the city into the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands.
introduction of the Reformation in the city
After the conquest by Frederick Henry, the Catholic faith is publicly banned and the Sint-Jan's Cathedral is handed over to the Protestants.
Siege by the Bishop of Münster during the Rampjaar (Disaster Year)
In the turbulent year of 1672, 's-Hertogenbosch is besieged by troops of the Bishop of Münster, an ally of Louis XIV, but the fortified city holds out.
Conquest by French revolutionary troops
During the French Revolutionary Wars, the city is captured by troops of the French Republic, marking the end of the old Republic of the Seven United Netherlands.
Visit of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte
During an inspection tour through his northern provinces, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte visits the fortress town of 's-Hertogenbosch.
Arrival of the first railway line
The railway line between 's-Hertogenbosch and other cities is opened, connecting the city to modern rail traffic and sparking urban renewal.
demolition of the fortifications
The centuries-old city walls and fortifications of 's-Hertogenbosch are largely demolished to make way for urban expansion.
Founding of the Carnival Association and the name Oeteldonk
The Catholic population of 's-Hertogenbosch rediscovers and celebrates the carnival festival, whereby the city gains the nickname Oeteldonk.
Construction of the 's-Hertogenbosch railway network and industrial growth
In the late 19th and early 20th century, 's-Hertogenbosch grows into an important railway hub and industrial city.
Liberation of 's-Hertogenbosch
Allied troops, including the British and American armies, liberate 's-Hertogenbosch from German occupation during the Second World War.
Reconstruction of the city centre
After the liberation, the city begins repairing war damage and rebuilding destroyed buildings.
Construction of the new residential district Maaspoort
North of the old fortress town, construction begins on the large-scale new residential district Maaspoort.
Restoration of St John's Cathedral
A large-scale restoration project brings St John's Cathedral back to its former glory after decades of decay and war damage.
Bossche Broek becomes a protected nature reserve
The historic marshland of Bossche Broek is granted the status of protected nature reserve within the municipal boundaries of 's-Hertogenbosch.
The Bossche Broek as a defensive landscape
Through sluices and dams, the area could be flooded, preventing enemy armies from approaching the city. This system of inundation made 's-Hertogenbosch one of the best-defended cities in the Netherlands and contributed to its nickname 'Swamp Dragon'. The Bossche Broek remained an essential part of the city's defences for centuries.