In the 1400's the Spaarndammerdijk was laid along the south bank of this inlet to protect against the undrained Ij. Close by, a dam on the Slooter river was built and trade began to grow in the vicinity. In 1465 a weigh house (or waag) was established and a church was built in about 1479; however, it was destroyed in 1573 by the Geuzen, a group of nobles rebelling against Spanish control of Holland. In the 17th century the Petrus Kerk (St. Peter’s Church) was built, which stands to this day.