title: West-Graftdijk
text: # West-Graftdijk
  
  West-Graftdijk is a village in the Dutch province of North Holland. It is a part of the municipality of Alkmaar, and lies about 10 km south of the city of Alkmaar. The village has a small historical church, and to the north there is the bird area Eilandspolder.
  
  ## History
  
  The village was first mentioned in 1578 as "Graefdyeck ofte Vuylen Graft", and means "dike on (de Vuylen) Graft River". West- has been added to distinguish from Oost-Graftdijk. West-Graftdijk developed on the former island Schermereiland [nl] in the second half of the 16th century after a dike was built around the lake.
  
  The Dutch Reformed church is an aisleless church with wooden tower which was built on a terp (artificial living hill) in 1651. The church was extensively modified in 1792. West-Graftdijk was home to 465 people in 1840.
  
  ## Gallery
  
  * Farm in West-Graftdijk
  * Dutch Reformed church
  * House in West-Graftdijk
  * Houses in West-Graftdijk
  