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The House of Eeden (Dutch/Flemish: Van Eeden (actual usage), German: Von Eeden) is a medieval Germanic family recorded in the heraldry of the Dutch - and Belgian noble families. They were influential members of the aristocracy up until the late 17th century and held the titles of Marquess, Earl, Baron, and Burggraaf, mainly in the provinces of South Holland, Utrecht, Zeeland and the former County of Flanders.

History

The Van Eeden family originated from the lands around Hoeksche Waard in South Holland during the late 13th century, and mainly settled in the areas of Schobbe en Everocken which was later renamed as Mijnsheerenland after the St. Elizabeth's flood in 1421. The town was restored and re-dyked in 1437-1438 by the Knight Lodewijk (Louis) van Praet of Moerkerken, during which time the families became closely associated. Under the Van Praet stewardship and by appointment of the Counts of Flanders, they held the title of Baron van Moerkerke-Damme in the western province of Flanders (current day Belgium).

The family was formally elevated to the ranks of the Dutch nobility as the Marquess's (Dutch: Markies/Markgraf) van Eeden by William of Orange-Nassau (Willem van Oranje-Nassau) after the Dutch Revolt (Eighty Years' War) against King Phillip II of Spain and the Habsburgs in 1649.

In recognition of their denouncement of the Holy Roman Emperors' (Habsburgs) dynastic rule over the Netherlands, they were also granted the land and title of Earl (Dutch: Graaf) van Mijnsheerenland, ending their previous political association with- and allegiance to the Counts of Flanders, who at the time were still supportive of the House of Habsburg. Regardless of their denouncement, they retained the Barony van Moerkerke-Damme. It is customary for the eldest child or male heir of The Marquess van Eeden to hold the title of Baron/Baroness van Moerkerke-Damme.

The Marquess's van Eeden governed the area of Binnenmaas under the rule of the Dutch Parliament and the ruling House of Orange-Nassau until 1795 when the nobility was abolished by the Batavian Revolution. With the establishment of the Sovereign Principality of the United Netherlands in 1813, the rights of the nobility were restored, and the peerage regained official status, but without the rights and privileges of government or feudal lordship over previously held territories.

The Family Name

Due to the location of the family estates, being on the banks of the Oude Maas river and the Binnemaas lake it is believed that the family was originally know as "Van der Eeden" which means "Dweller by the water" or possibly "On an island in the river" given that the Hoeksche Waard is situated on an island.

Later, as was the custom at the time, the family name was shortened to "Van Eeden" after being admitted to the Dutch noble peerage by the court of William, Prince of Orange in 1649.

The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Johannes van Eeden. which was dated C.1680, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. during the reign of King William III, of Orange and England, 1650 - 1702.

Van Eeden in the Dutch spelling does not appear to be recorded in the United Kingdom, although the ancient British name Eden or Eaden has the same meaning. It is uncommon to find surnames in the United Kindom with the prefix of "van" or "von", making it likely that the various spellings are related.

Coat of Arms and Heraldry

Shield

The Coat of Arms is a shield quartered with two apposing Black Demi Lion Rampant on a Gold field.

Inversely two white banners each with three black scallops

It comprises of elements from the coat of arms of the counts of flanders - single black demi Lion rampant on a gold field

Family Seats

The family has residences in South Africa, Namibia and the United Kingdom. Regardless of their hereditary titles, they no longer have Dutch citizenship or lands and properties within the Kingdoms of the Netherlands and Belgium.

Since 2022, the current Marquess and his family resides in Poole, England where they have established themselves permanently.

Current Family Members

From the 17th-20th centuries the family spread across the globe, with decedents settling in South Africa, United Kingdom, Germany, North America, South America, Australia and New Zealand.

Ryno Josua Francois, The Marquess van Eeden, Earl van Mijnsheerenland, is the current head of the dynastic line.

Lord van Eeden is married to The Marchioness, Lady Meike Annemarie Engberts-van Eeden, Countess van Mijnsheerenland.

The Lady Sophia Marie van Eeden, Viscountess van Moerkerke-Damm is the eldest daughter and heir apparent of the Marquess van Eeden.