Some history of Royal Baarn
Baarn is situated near the river Eem.
▶ This river is the only river with its source and mouth in The Netherlands. Already in the period between 8000 and 4500 BC people have lived near this river. Several thousands of flint, found at archeological digs, proof the existence of men around that time.
The origin of Baarn was probably in the 12th century. By that time the existing villages became too small, due to the crusades, the trading with other regions and the growth of the population. Villages needed enough surrounding space for cattle and agriculture. During the 12th century many settlements were made, amongst which probably also Baarn.
▶ The first settlement, near the actual Leestraat most likely comprised about twenty farms. Later in the 14th century the center of town was moved to the Brink.
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At that very Brink the church of St.Paul (Pauluskerk) was built in the first half of the 14th century.
▶ The St.Paul's church houses a carillon that can be heard quite often. You can also hear it on a YouTube video posted in 2011.
▶ Watch the video & listen to the carillon.
The meaning of the name 'Baarn' seems to a reference to an area where fuel was to be found,
▶ Metathesis switches the r and a around, so branden (to burn) becomes barnen (and looses the d as well).
By the end of the 14th century the bishop of Utrecht granted the people of Baarn city rights, the right to govern their own village. Baarn never received the right to build a city wall.
Baarn, 1 November 2007 | Updated 10 March 2011 ▲
