MIDDELEEUWSE ADELSHUIZEN IN FRIESLAND

Samenvatting

The difference between de Frisian stinsen and steenhuizen is briefly elucidated. Both belonged to the nobility. The stins is the oldest type of the Frisian steenhuis and dates from 1150 onward. It is a brick-built tower with an almost square ground plan and it is added to a wooden building. Fri­sian steenhuizen built after 1350 have a rectangular ground plan, without wooden buildings. During the 15th century houses with L-shaped ground plans developed. The difference between stinsen and steenhuizen is probably due to the fact that in the later Middle Ages the role of the nobleman changed. lnstead of the defendable but un­comfortable stins he desired a more conve­nient residence. This development was made possible by a more peaceful solution of conflicts during the end of the Middle Ages.