Warrior Woman: Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer, the “Battleaxe”

Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer (1573)

Mindy Ran tries to unravel the myths surrounding Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer (1526-1588). She was the daughter of an important Haarlem family, ran a shipyard, was involved in the defence of the city against the Spanish and died at sea. Her name Kenau has gone into the Dutch language, meaning “battleaxe” or “aggressive, masculine woman”. 

Producer: Mindy Ran

Broadcast: October 21, 2000