The village was first mentioned in 1575 as "Roelifaerts Veen", and means "bog of Roelof Aertszoon" who was probably the peat concession holder.[3] Roelofarendsveen is a road village which developed along the bank of the Braassemermeer [nl]. Later it developed into a horticulture centre.[4]
The polder mill Googermolen was built in 1717. It might have been rebuilt in 1830s. It was definitely restored in 1839. In 1956, a pumping station was added, and the wind mill now operates on a voluntary basis.[5] The Catholic St Petrus' Banden Church is an aisleless church with detached tower built between 1969 and 1970 as a replacement of the 1856 church.[4]
Roelofarendsveen was home to 1,205 people in 1840.[6] After World War II, the town Roelofarendsveen and the village Oude Wetering have merged to form one built-up area.[4]
Gallery
Roelofarendsveen, windmill
Roelofarendsveen, small bridge in the street
Notable people
Femke Heemskerk, international swimmer, gold medallist in the 100m freestyle event at the 2014 World Short Course Championships