Gelensteyn - Erichem

This beautiful monumental T farmhouse with thatched wolf roof, in Erichem, dates back to the 17th century. The exact year of construction is not known, but elements of the current farmhouse, such as the wall anchors in the left side wall, are 17th century. At that time, Erichem was still part of the county of Buren, which was originally governed by the Van Egmont family. At the time this farm was built, the administration had been inherited by the Van Oranje-Nassau line and the prince of Orange was also the count of Buren. During that century, there were as many as five princes of Orange who succeeded each other.

The childless prince Philip William, son of William of Orange and Anna of Egmont, was succeeded after his death in 1618 by his half-brother Maurice, son of William of Orange's second marriage to Anna of Saxony. This Maurice, who died in 1625, was unmarried and had only illegitimate children, who were not eligible to inherit his titles. He too was succeeded by a half-brother, Frederick Henry, from his father William of Orange's fourth marriage to Louise de Coligny.

Frederick Henry married Amalia van Solms and from that marriage William II was born. This William II was the last princely successor for the title count of Buren in 1647, after the death of Frederick Henry. For in 1650, he was succeeded by King William III, his son from his marriage to Maria Stuart. King William III, or William Henry of Orange-Nassau, in addition to being count of Buren, was king-stadholder of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. But also king of England, Wales and Ireland, through his marriage to his niece: Mary Stuart II

Looking at this farm, it is hard to imagine that it was already there in the time of counts and princes, which is already so far behind us.