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Woudrichem (; Brabantian: Woerkum) is a city and former municipality in the province of North Brabant in the Netherlands.
Woudrichem was strategically located at the confluence of the Meuse and Waal rivers, within the spheres of influence of the Duchy of Brabant, Gelre, and the County of Holland. In 1322, the Land of Altena was incorporated into the County of Holland, only to be assigned to the newly formed province of North Brabant in 1815.
In the fourteenth century, the town had grown so much that the Lord of Altena, Willem VII van Horne, granted city rights to Woudrichem in 1356. In the same year, the Count of Holland moved the comital river toll from Niemandsvriend, located in Sliedrecht, to Woudrichem. As a result, and due to other privileges such as the fishing rights granted in 1362 by Dirk Loef of Horne, the builder of Loevestein Castle, the town flourished.
During this time, the Martin church was also built. In 1386, construction of the Defensive wall began. It was in this year that the Count of Holland annexed the Land of Altena. Negotiations between John IV of Brabant and John VI of Bavaria led to the Treaty of Woudrichem (1419). After this, the economy began to decline when the toll was moved to Gorinchem in 1420 and the Saint Elizabeth's flood caused devastation in 1421. The situation further deteriorated, partly due to military activities.
Due to its strategic location, Woudrichem was frequently Siege. The city was attacked by the Arkels in 1405 and by the Gelders in 1511. In 1572, Woudrichem sided with William of Orange. In 1573, the Geuzen deemed the city indefensible and set it on fire.
Between 1583 and 1588, a fortification belt was built around the city, although it enclosed a smaller area than the former city wall. The fortification was designed by Adriaen Antonisz. van Alkmaar. With the help of surrounding cities, the town was rebuilt. Nevertheless, the economic situation remained poor, and in 1700, Woudrichem was granted tax exemption.
In 2006, Woudrichem celebrated '650 years of city rights.' Residents dressed in historical costumes and performed various scenes from past centuries over a weekend in August.
In the region, people now usually say Woerkum or Woerkem.
The city of Woudrichem is the largest settlement in the municipality. It is situated on the south bank of where the rivers Waal and Afgedamde Maas join to form the Boven Merwede. The other population centres in the municipality were:
East of the city lies Loevestein Castle, on the other side of the river in the province of Gelderland.
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