The Memorial Needle

The Memorial Needle in Scheveningen is a slim monument that marks the place where William Frederick of Orange-Nassau came ashore on the Dutch coast in November 1813. He arrived from exile in England at a moment when French rule over the Netherlands was collapsing, and he soon became sovereign prince and, in 1815, King William I of the Netherlands. The monument, known in Dutch as the Gedenknaald Koning Willem I, is therefore a marker of a turning point in the country's history, the founding moment of the Dutch monarchy.

The needle was unveiled in 1865, more than half a century after the landing, on 24 August, which was the late king's birthday. Prince Frederick attended the unveiling, according to the record. It takes the form of an obelisk, a classic nineteenth century way of commemorating national events, with an inscription and plaques that explain the story to passers-by. The simplicity of the form is part of its character, and it stands in an open space where its outline contrasts with the broader scale of the coastline around it.

The monument is located close to the beach in Scheveningen, and it is easy to include in a walk along the esplanade. Scheveningen has been The Hague's seaside district since the nineteenth century, and it combines a wide beach, a long boulevard, a harbour and a pier. Landmarks nearby include the Kurhaus, the grand hotel and resort building from 1885, SkyView De Pier, the harbour, and family attractions such as Sea Life Scheveningen and the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. The Keizerstraat is a shopping street, and the beach pavilions are good places for a drink with a sea view.

A visit to the needle takes only a few minutes, so the best approach is to treat it as a pause on a seaside walk. It is a good place to reflect on how the modern Netherlands emerged: the landing of 1813 ended years of French control and led to the Kingdom of the Netherlands that exists today. The beach at Scheveningen is also where Dutch people mark New Year with a traditional dip, so the shoreline has other layers of national life.

The monument suits history lovers, walkers and anyone on a seaside stroll who wants to know the meaning behind a landmark. It is free, open at all times and easy to reach by tram from the centre of The Hague.