Family history Count of Montfoort

Count of Montfoort

The family history of Montfoort began with a castle on the border of the Utrecht diocese. Bishop Godfried van Rhenen had it built on the Hollandse IJssel around 1170 to secure his territory against the counts of Holland. A bishop’s chaplain took on the role of castle warden. From this position, the hereditary castle nobility of Montfoort developed – along with customs, fishing and judicial rights.

Through Aleid and his sister Odilia, the rule passed to Roelof de Rover in the 13th century. His descendants were called De Rover van Montfoort and built the wooden structure into a mighty stone castle. At the same time, they expanded the settlement beyond its walls. In 1329, Montfoort received city rights; roads, fortifications, and trade created a small, self-confident city.

The castle was located exactly between two centers of power. Although the castle lords were vassals of the Utrecht bishops, they often sought the proximity of the counts of Holland. Four members of the family accompanied Count William IV in 1345 on his trip to Friesland and were later depicted on the famous Montfoort memorial tablet. Around 1400, the house gained access to the Dutch count’s court.

In the 15th century, the burgraves temporarily led the Hoekse party against Burgundian interests. Johann III of Montfoort became a prominent opponent of Bishop David of Burgundy. The family maintained an almost autonomous position for a long time thanks to the skillful alternation between negotiation, alliance and resistance. However, in 1546 Emperor Charles V revoked the feudal rights granted to the family.

In 1583, the burghership passed to the House of Merode through an inheritance. Ferdinand Philipp von Merode sold his rights and possessions to the States of Utrecht in 1648. Historically, the De Rover family were burghers and lords, not the lords of Montfoort. The preserved castle gate, the medieval city plan, and the memorial plaque in the Rijksmuseum still bear witness to this.

Sources: Stichting Oud Montfoort, The Utrecht Archive, Rijksmuseum, DBNL, Dutch National Heritage Service

Family coat of arms of Count of Montfoort

Historical account Coat of arms of the Burggrafen De Rover of Montfoort.

In silver three red grinding wheels, placed in a ratio of two to one.

The three red millstones are handed down to the De Rover family on the medieval memorial plaque of Coat of arms the Lords of Montfoort. This family held the title of Burggraves of Montfoort from 1283 to 1583.

Sources: Rijksmuseum, Object SK-A-831, with the description „three red mill-irons on a silver field“, RHC Rijnstreek and Lopikerwaard, origin of the three mill irons from the Coat of arms De Rover van Montfoort collection, details, history, print, full-size print optimized for printing on a pure white background, splendid gold and ruby enamel finish on a pale orange-colored parchment ground