Gerrit Sierks, a violent husband
- Siem van der Woude
- Nov 24, 2024
- 2 min read
Between 1499 and 1811, the Court of Friesland was the highest judicial body in Friesland, with the special responsibility for civil and criminal justice. The archives of the Court of Friesland are kept at Tresoar and contain an immense amount of information covering three centuries of jurisprudence. The archives offer a wealth of information not only about trials, court rulings, and sentences, but also provide a glimpse into (Frisian) society during those centuries.
Gerryt Sierks lived in De Valom. He had a reputation for not being very bright. He married Antje Fockes on December 1, 1754. Fockes was aware of his reputation but thought he would recover after the marriage. Unfortunately, she was mistaken; the relationship was not a success. From the beginning, he had "very often pinched and beaten her in a horrific way."
During the day, things weren't too bad, but in the evenings and at night, he constantly abused his wife. Neighbors heard Antje moaning and groaning at night and alerted the village judge. He intervened, but even after a formal reprimand from the Dantumadeel Lower Court, the abuse continued. Antje eventually left him. According to the court file, her parents picked her up after she came home with a black eye. Gerrit then regretted it: " Oh, my dear heart, please stay with me."
Gerrit didn't give his wife any money for her living expenses. The file also mentions a child, but she isn't named. Once again, the Lower Court intervened, ordering Gerrit to give her half of his income. How this was arranged is unclear. Apparently, the Kollumerland court (and not Dantumadeel) took over the administration of Gerrit's assets.
It backfired. Gerrit became rebellious and increasingly focused his anger on the magistrate Van Heemstra. He bought a rifle (a snaphaan) and practiced with it. Then he went to Veenklooster where Wiebrand Hiddes, an acquaintance, lived. Veenklooster was also the residence of the magistrate. When he passed the house, Gerrit grabbed his rifle.
Wiebrand suspected " an evil intention" and had his wife warn Van Heemstra's staff. Wiebrand was able to thwart Gerrit's plans. Gerrit was arrested and taken into custody at the Rechthuis (courthouse) in Rinsumageest . Later, he was taken to the Landscape Disciplinary and Workhouse in Leeuwarden, where he remained for three weeks. During interrogations, he denied the assault.
A conviction and sentence were not imposed. The Court may also have concluded that Gerrit was not particularly bright. The Lower Court was ordered to retrieve him and ensure he did not cause any injury or harm to others.
Text written by Siem van der Woude.
Tags: 10voor8, Treasure Room