Background
He was born in 1597 in Brielle, South Holland. Tromp was the oldest son of Harpert Maertensz, a naval officer and captain of the frigate Olifantstromp ("Elephant Trunk"). The surname Tromp probably derives from the name of the ship.
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Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp
Edit ProfileCareer
He went to sea as a boy and was captured by the British, who held him prisoner aboard ship for several years. On escaping he entered the Dutch navy and was made lieutenant admiral in 1637 and placed in charge of the fleet.
In October 1639 he defeated a Spanish armada in the North Sea off Gravelines, France, in the Battle of the Downs. In the war that broke out between the Dutch Republic and England in 1652 he fought several battles with British fleets commanded by the admirals Robert Blake and George Monk. Tromp was worsted in the Battle of Portland on June 3, 1653, and in a subsequent engagement in the Channel he was shot.
Achievements
Connections
On 7 May 1624, he married Dignom Cornelisdochter de Haes, the daughter of a merchant. In 1634, Tromp's first wife died. Later he married Alijth Jacobsdochter Arckenboudt, the daughter of Brill's wealthy schepen and tax collector, on 12 September 1634.
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Born
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Died
July 29, 1653 (aged 56) -
Resting place
Oude Kerk, Delft, Netherlands -
Nationality
Dutch