Leeghwater: water BN-er par excellence

Leeghwater in 1643. Etching and engraving by S. Savrij after a drawing by T. Keiser. Alkmaar Regional Archives.

A "water BN-er" is definitely Leeghwater. In our country, 61 streets, avenues, roads and squares bear his name. Moreover, he plays the lead role in a whole series of novels and children's books. But who is really behind all this fame and honor? And does Leeghwater really deserve the fame waved at him?