An Elite within Dutch Nobility. The Teutonic Order Bailiwick of Utrecht, 1640-1840

For a long time, the position of the nobility in Dutch society was greatly underestimated. Yet, nobility did have a great influence until well into the nineteenth century, especially in the eastern provinces. The country’s noble networks included the Teutonic Order Bailiwick of Utrecht, which originated from a crusader order, but in 1640 decame an independent institution including married, Protestant nobles. Because of the requirement for four noble grandparents of Reformed confession and stemming from an old lineage, membership of the order was very exclusive and acted as a mark of distinctio... Mehr ...