HeezeLeende

HeezeLeende is a former municipality in the province of North Brabant, Netherlands. It was created in 1925 by the merger of the municipalities of Heeze and Leende. The municipality covered an area of approximately 100 square kilometers and had a population of around 13,000 inhabitants at the time of its dissolution.

The area has a long history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times. The names Heeze and Leende are believed to have Germanic origins, referring to a forested area and a settlement near a stream, respectively. Historically, the region was characterized by agricultural lands, forests, and heathlands.

In the 20th century, HeezeLeende experienced some industrial development, alongside its traditional agricultural activities. The municipality was known for its natural beauty, with significant areas of forest and nature reserves, attracting recreational visitors.

On January 1, 2019, HeezeLeende merged with the municipalities of Cranendonck and Soerendonk to form the new municipality of Heeze-Leende-Soerendonk. However, this larger merger was later reversed, and HeezeLeende was subsequently dissolved on January 1, 2022, with its territory being divided. The former municipality of Heeze became part of the municipality of Heeze-Leende, while the former municipality of Leende became part of the municipality of Cranendonck. This administrative division marked the end of HeezeLeende as an independent administrative entity.