Monster, South Holland

In the 13th century a great deal of the Westland, Loosduinen and The Hague were administered by Monster. When The Hague came to be constructed, a split was made in Haag-ambacht and Half-Loosduinen. The latter village was separated from Monster in 1812. Remains of the former glory can still be seen between The Hague and Monster at such estates as Ockenburgh, Bloemendaal, Solleveld and Langeveld.

There is a great deal of uncertainty over the origin of the name "Monster". It is probably derived from the Latin monasterium, meaning monastery. The name was also used for the ground that belonged to a monastery. Another explanation was that Monster was derived from the old-Dutch word monster, which meant amongst others "big church" (from Latin: monstrum), which is supported by the fact that Monster had in those days one of the largest churches in the area.

Monster was previously a destination for pilgrimage, because Machutus parish possessed some relics of its patron Machutus, who is also known as Machuut. People came to be healed of the "falling sickness", which was possibly epilepsy.

• John I, Lord of Polanen (c. 1285–1342), Lord of Polanen, De Lek and Breda
• Arnold Vinnius (1588–1657), jurist
• Gerard Schouw (b. 1965), politician
• Arantxa Rus (b. 1990), tennis player
• Yvette Broch (b.1990), handball player

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  Monster
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  Windmill "The four winds"
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  Church of Monster
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  Monster in 1865