The New Chronicles of Zeeland

Lore & Background

Mattheus Smallegange was a historian who wrote The New Chronicles of Zeeland, a summary and continuation of earlier chronicles by Jacobus Eyndius, Johan Reygersberg, and Marcus Zuerius van Boxhorn. He copied verbatim parts of older chronicles and collected his own material about Zeeland's history, a research effort that cost him time and money. He received financial support from the States of Zeeland, and much was also taken from the works of Marcus Zuerius van Boxhorn and Olivier de Wree.

The book was printed by Middelburg printer Johannes Meertens, part of the flourishing printing trade in that city. The Cronyk was published when the publishing profession in Middelburg was already in decline. A second part was foreseen but never materialized; Smallegange summarized it in a short Besluyt that appeared in 1704. He also wrote other books, including genealogies and translations.

Reader's Guide

The New Chronicles of Zeeland remains an important work for the province of Zeeland, despite being published when Middelburg's printing industry was declining. It is a comprehensive, illustrated reference covering towns, fiefdoms, characters, and institutions, with maps, city views, and images of buildings and country estates that express the prosperity of the Zeeland elite. The book's delay from 1696 to 1700 highlights political tensions between local cities and the regional government. Smallegange's method of compiling and copying earlier chronicles, while adding his own research, makes the work a key source for understanding Zeeland's history. Its significance lies in its breadth and the detailed snapshot it provides of the region's political, economic, and social life at the turn of the 18th century.

Did You Know?

• The book was completed in 1696 but not published until 1700 due to disagreements between Zeeland cities and the States of Zeeland.
• The book was printed by Johannes Meertens, a Middelburg printer, when the city's publishing trade was already in decline.
• A second part was planned but never materialized; Smallegange issued a short Besluyt in 1704 instead.