The village was first mentioned in 1057 as Gerleuiswert, and means "settled height of Gerlef (person)".

[4] In 1057, it was given market, minting and toll rights by Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor.

[5] In 1568, during the Dutch Revolt, a battle was fought near Garrelsweer between Count Louis of Nassau and the Spanish Prince Charles de Ligne of Arenberg.

Two days later, the fighting continued at Heiligerlee which became the first Dutch military victory, and therefore, the official beginning of the Eighty Years' War.

[4][5] The church was sold in 2013, and is nowadays in use as a concert hall and exhibition centre.