Briel

Briel, in South Holland, 12 miles W. of Rotterdam, and on the island of Voorne, near the mouth of the Maas, on the left bank. It is fortified, and its people are chiefly occupied in pilotage and fishing. It was the cradle of the United Netherlands' liberty, for the taking of it by the refugees in 1572 was the first act of open revolt against the Spanish rule. The admirals de Witt and Van Tromp were born at Briel.