The city of Middelburg (population: about 46.588 ) dates back to the early 9th century or possibly the late 8th century. The first mention of Middelburg was as one of three defensive points (the burg 'in the middle') erected on the island of Walcheren to guard against Viking raids. In 844 an abbey was built there, which remained in use until the Eighty Years' War, when the northern Netherlands won their independence from Spain. Today, the abbey is used both as a museum and as the seat of the provincial government. Middelburg was granted city rights in 1217.