The church you are now visiting is part of Egmond Abbey. The abbey, its grounds and the so-called “Adelbertusakker” (the original burial site of Saint Adelbert, one mile to the west of the abbey), together constitute a Provincial Historic Monument. It is of great historic and archaeological importance. Various strata in the soil show traces of previous habitation. In the first centuries A.D. and also in the period starting around 700 A.D. people already lived here.
Remains of the mediaeval abbey, which was pillaged and burnt in 1573, are still hidden in the soil. The history of Egmond Abbey is important for two reasons. Here, the religious growth of the western part of Holland started with the arrival of Saint Adelbert from England. Here, too, the early counts of Holland lived. They were also buried here. The Province of Noord Holland wants to secure this important heritage. Many remains will be left in the soil for future exploration and research. Digging and building on the sites are prohibited. It is not allowed to go treasure hunting or to carry off anything found in the soil or on the grounds.