Number of inhabitants (1 Jan 2003): 47.313; area: 39,99 km². Settlements:
Heerhugowaard (seat), Broekhorn, Butterhuizen, De Noord, Draai, Frik, Kabel,
't Kruis, Veenhuizen, Verlaat.
Heerhugowaard was originally the lake in which Count Willem II was
killed in 1256. The lake was made dry in 1625-1631. "Heer Hugo" was Hugo
van Assendelft, lord of the castle of Medemblik during the reign of Count
Floris V. Heer Hugo was killed when the Westfriezen revolted after the
murder of Floris, and destroyed the castle of Medemblik (1296).