Standbeeld Witte van Haamstede

Witte van Haamstede (1281–1321)
Witte was an illegitimate son of Count Floris V and grew up as Witte van Heusden, named after his mother Aleid. After his father’s death, his half-brother Jan I granted him the lordship of Haamstede, and he became known as Witte van Haamstede. He lived at Slot Haamstede.

The Fight in Zeeland
During the war between Holland and Flanders over Zeeland, Witte distinguished himself as a brave warrior. In 1302, he was knighted for his efforts in defending Zierikzee.

The Legend
According to legend, Witte escaped Zierikzee with a group of soldiers, defeated Flemish troops at the Manpad, and recaptured Dutch towns for Count Jan II. Although this battle never truly took place, Witte did play a key role in the liberation of Zeeland during the naval battle on the Gouwe.

Statue
Witte died at the age of forty. His bronze statue near Slot Haamstede, created by artist Joop van Nugteren, honors this Zeeland war hero.

Renesse Foundation
The Renesse Foundation donated the statue to the community of Schouwen-Duiveland, as the seventh in a series of monuments to notable island residents. The foundation is dedicated to preserving cultural heritage.

This statue was donated by the Renesse Foundation.