The lords Van Arkel

The history of the lords of Van Arkel, men of nobility, started in 1200 when Floris Herbaren van der Lede established in the village Arkel. He is noticed as the progenitor of house of the family Van Arkel.  

In 1227 he was beaten to knight and in 1253 became Jan van Arkel Lord of the Earl of Holland. Years later the Lords of Van Arkel owned a lot of cities in what now is known as Vijheerenlanden which includes cities Leerdam, Gorinchem, Heukelum, Asperen, Arkel and later Hagestein and Vianen. The lords became rich by collecting tolls on the two important rivers the Merwede and the Lek. With the money they built huge castles in all cities. The lords of Van Arkel were very powerful and got more cities and villages in their lordship. The power came to an end in 1407 by wars between dukedoms and shires. Between 1401 and 1412 they lost their lordship. The last powerful descendant of Van Arkel is Maria van Arkel who acquired political power in Gelre.

In 2002 and in 2006 are discoveries made during excavation work in Gorinchem and Hagestein. On the place of the remains in Gorinchem is erected a monument in memory of the lords of Van Arkel.