This clock is believed to be the oldest clock in the city. Meet “De Leeuw” (The Lion).
Weighing approximately 4000 kilograms, it was cast in 1541 for the Nieuwetoren in the Grote Hoogstraat.
On “De Leeuw” it reads, in Latin:
“With rightful pride, I am called the Lion, roaring as I count the hours over the rooftops of Leeuwarden. Through my chime, citizens are summoned from all corners to fire and to arms. I was cast by Cornelis Waghenens in 1541.”
The origin of Oldehove Terp around 100 AD...
The landscape around Leeuwarden looked very different at the beginning of the first millennium than it does today. A deep-sea arm extended from the Wadden Sea into the land, dividing Friesland into two parts. Farmers in these coastal areas lived off agriculture and livestock farming. This was also true for the farmers who lived in the area where later Oldehove would rise. Around the year 100, they constructed a small mound here and built a large wooden farmhouse on top of it. Generations of farmers lived in this place.
A village on the Oldehove Terp in the 7th-8th century...
After the Roman era, Oldehove Terp remained uninhabited for about 150 years. But then farmers settle again, expanding and raising the terp. This is necessary because during this period, the Middelzee widens and becomes more turbulent. By the 7th century, a small village with multiple farms sits atop the terp.
In the 9th century, the first St. Vitus Church was constructed...
Archaeologists believe that the first church on the Oldehove terp was built around the year 900 under the direction of the German monastery order of Corvey. This initial church was constructed from wood, and its patron saint is St. Vitus.
The Middelzee near Oldehove was drained around the year 1300...
In the 13th century, the Middelzee begins to silt up, leading to a large portion being reclaimed through creating polders. Leeuwarden finds itself at a considerable distance from the sea, yet it flourishes into a prosperous city with thriving trade and crafts. Around 1300, the first city canal is constructed, partly on the site of the former Middelzee. The ecclesiastical center at Oldehove Terp still lies outside the urban area that has developed around Nijehove at this time. In 1435, Oldehove and Nijehove merge together.
The construction of the Oldehove began in 1529...
In the early 16th century, Leeuwarden thrives as a prosperous city. To emphasize its prosperity, the church and city authorities decide to commission the construction of an impressive church. After all, an important city deserves a beautiful church with a towering steeple. In 1529, master builder Jacob van Aaken is tasked with constructing a new tower and a new church on the “Olda Hoff”. According to his contract, “Master Jacob” earns 8 stuivers (nickels) per day. Additionally, he is provided with a house and receives a new suit annually.
Master builder Jacob van Aaken passes away in 1532...
The construction progresses smoothly initially. However, when the structure reaches about 10 meters in height, master builder Van Aaken discovers that the tower is leaning. In a bid to salvage the building, Van Aaken instructs the builders to continue laying bricks perpendicular to the lean. But it proves futile. The tower becomes crooked and continues to tilt. Two or three years after the start of construction, the tormented master builder succumbs to “chagrin.” Later interpretations suggest this could be depression or even suicide due to the failure of the tower.
Tower construction halted in 1533...
Around 1532, the city begins searching for a successor to Van Aaken. This role is filled by Kornelis Fredericks van der Gouwe. By the time this new master builder takes over in 1533, the Oldehove, at 39 meters, is likely the tallest building in Friesland. The tower is no longer sinking significantly, but due to the threat of cracks forming, construction cannot continue.
The St. Vitus Church partially demolished in 1596...
A severe storm inflicted serious damage upon the St. Vitus Church in 1576. Although the church was repaired, by 1595 it had become so dilapidated that the city council decided to demolish the structure, except for the outer walls. This decision was influenced by the tradition of burying wealthy individuals inside the church while others were buried outside in the churchyard. By leaving the walls intact, the graves of the affluent residents remained separate from the rest. The Oldehove continued to serve as a cemetery for centuries to come.
The Oldehove during the wartime period of 1940-1945...
The German occupiers utilized the Oldehove as a lookout tower during the Second World War. Soldiers stationed atop the tower scanned the skies for allied aircraft, relaying information to the airfield.
The Oldehove was closed to visitors in 1964...
For many years, the Visser couple served as tower keepers at the Oldehove, but in 1964, Mr. and Mrs. Visser resigned. They were required to vacate their cottage near the Oldehove at Boterhoek, and they were not interested in managing the tower from their new home on the outskirts of the city. Unable to find successors, the NV Maatschappij Oldehove closed the Oldehove to visitors. In 1975, the Oldehove reopened to the public, and since 2010, the Historical Center Leeuwarden has taken over the operation of the Oldehove.
