Gorinchem

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Gorinchem (gôr´Ĭnkhəm) or Gorkum (gôr´kəm), town (1994 pop. 31,090), South Holland prov., W central Netherlands, on the Upper Merwede River. It is a manufacturing center. Gorinchem became a major trading point in the 15th cent. It was captured by the Beggars of the Sea (see Gueux) in 1572. Much of the old town and its walls have been preserved.