Redbad Visser on Frisia after Redbad: The Rise of Leeuwarden
Lecture/Debate
15 February
Fully booked
After the death of Redbad, Frisia gradually came under Frankish rule. What happened next to the Frisian lands? And how was Leeuwarden 'born'?
During the reign of King Redbad (c. 655–719), Frisia (West Frisia, Central Frisia and East Frisia) reached its greatest extent in terms of territory and sphere of influence. Dorestad, Utrecht, Medemblik, Stavoren and Wijnaldum were the most important Frisian centres at the time. Leeuwarden did not yet exist. After Redbad’s death, Frisia gradually came under Frankish rule. What happened next to the Frisian lands? And how was Leeuwarden “born”, eventually becoming the capital of the Lordship of Friesland in 1504?
Repeat of 7 December 2025
