Dossier № 5: Leiden in Trouble
Erfgoed Leiden en Omstreken, Secretariearchief I inv. nr. 381, f. 33r
Introduction
On 18 October 1453, the schout, the Gerecht and the Vroedschap of Leiden met at the town hall on the Breestraat. Leiden was one of the most important cities of Holland and its position weighed heavily in the decisions of the States of Holland. The Duke of Burgundy, who was also count of Holland, and his stadtholder also had to take the city into account. Therefore, when important decisions were made, no less than 40 people were present. So too on the 15th of October. On the agenda were three important matters. First, the stadholder had demanded a loan from Leiden's citizenry on behalf of the duke, but none of the citizens appeared willing to lend money. The stadholder was angry and demanded measures. How was the General Court to deal with this? Second, Bertelmees van Eten, who had travelled to England on behalf of the States of Holland, finally wanted to settle. Third, the Dutch peat appeared to be so badly eroded that it was in danger of being exhausted. This was where the States of Holland had to act!
The names of those present are neatly noted at the bottom of the page.
Physical Description
Paper register, written with gothic cursive. The last paragraph is written by an anomalous hand