Ridderhofstad Holy, Medieval knight's court in Vlaardingen, Netherlands
Ridderhofstad Holy is a medieval estate in the Holiërhoekse polder near Vlaardingen, featuring a stone residential tower set on elevated ground. A circular moat surrounds the entire property, creating a defined boundary around the historic structures.
The estate was first documented in 1343 when Allert Aagte Muyssoon inherited the property, after which his family took the surname Muys van Holy. This lineage shaped the identity of the place for centuries.
The estate represents the Dutch nobility's architectural preferences, featuring a multi-level tower structure that served as both residence and symbol of status.
The entrance gate features inscriptions from 1735 that identify the property and provide access to the grounds. A garden area near the former hospital location gives visitors a clear starting point for exploring the site.
The name Holy comes from "Hoge lede", which refers to its location near a drainage canal in the flat landscape. The family coat of arms displays seven red merlettes on a silver background, a distinctive heraldic element rarely seen in medieval estates of this region.
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