Hieronymus Lauweryn van Watervliet
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Count Hieronymus Lauweryn van Watervliet, or Jerome Laurinus of Watervliet, (c. 1450 – 1 June 1509) was a courtier at the court of Philip the Handsome, (Lord of the Netherlands and Duke of Burgundy then briefly King of Castile) to whom Lauweryn was treasurer. He was also a courtier at the courts of Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, and of Margaret of Austria.[1][2][3]
Early life
Hieronymus Lauweryn van Watervliet was born around 1450 in Bruges to Bavo Lauweryn and his mistress Barbara Roels. After Bavo became a widower and married Roels, Hieronymus Lauweryn was legitimized.[4]
Career
He began his career in 1477 as a clerk to the general receiver of Flanders, just like his father. In 1486 he became castellany receiver of Bruges, and this position almost cost him his life when he was arrested two years later by the rebellious people of Bruges.
In 1499 he became treasurer-general of the domains and finances, reaching the highest peak of the financial bureaucracy, and in 1503, he was knighted by Philip IV of France.
Lauweryn was also councilor and steward of Maximilian of Austria and governor of the children of Philip IV (including Emperor Charles V).
Investments into Flemish land reclamation
As an investor, he focused on land reclamation in Flanders. Between 1497 and 1508 he founded the following polders:[3]
- Saint Christopher Polder (1499)
- Jeronimuspolder (1501)
- Laurinpolder (1503)
- Sint-Annapolder (1505)
- Saint Barbara (1508)
- Philippine polder
Death
He withdrew from his career due to poor health in 1508 and he died on 1 July 1509 in The Hague, with his final testament dated to 21 July 1509.[2]
