 The bridge, also known as Brug 9, crosses the Singel near Dam square, at Oude Leliestraat.Up until the 15th century, the Singel was known as the Stedegracht ("City Canal").In the 17th century the canal was known for some time as Koningsgracht ("King's Canal"), in honor of King Henry IV of France, who was an important ally of the Dutch Republic during the early part of the 17th century.