2016-07-04 Mon

In May 1747, Willem IV became the hereditary Stadholder and held the position till he died on 22nd October, 1751. Dutch medals clearly depict the nature of religious and worldly disputes along with conflicts between powerful neighbours during those days.

The Dutch Republic evolved from the Stadholder concept to a de facto monarchy under the Houses of Orange and Nassau. Even though attempts were made to abolish the position of Stadholder, it was recreated for strong leadership against foreign attack and internal tensions.

The Dutch and Britain became friends even after colonial war losses. This association was needed to sustain French attacks under Louis XVI and his Dutch agents.

Willem Carel Friso of Orange-Nassau became Willem IV after childless Willem III died. Even as the war continued, the stadholdership was slowly restored.

Britain’s King George II named Willem IV, the 549th Knight of the Garter. Medals featured him wearing “the George” insignia. A special silver medal was struck when he died featuring his portrait and George of the Garter under a crown of stars and title “Hereditary Ruler of all the Free Netherlands.”

The reverse depicts a cherub holding two shields on a baroque tomb under a crowned mantle. The inscription GEN.5’ V.24, marks the death of Enoch in the Bible book of Genesis. Another one translates to “May he live in Eternity among God and all Good Men”.

Under Willem V, his successor, the French revolution went beyond Netherlands after the country’s union with Napoleon’s French Empire in 1810.