Bailiff's House

Bailiff's House

The Bailiff was the official who represented the lord in the city or in the countryside during the Ancien Régime. He was appointed for life. He had powers in feudal, political, financial, military and judicial matters. The bailiff's office was established from the 12th – 13th centuries.

The current Bailiff's House was given different names over the years. The count's house – castle – "heeren huys" probably dates from the first half of the 17th century. The building with the large garden and the stables also acquired various functions over time. It is certain that it was owned by the Olemans family in the period 1833 – 1973. In that period, the buildings served as a brewery. The province of Brabant (later Flemish Brabant) developed this location into a provincial meeting centre between 1977 and 2003.

The name Bailiwick is of more recent date. It is a harking back to the past when the Bailiff stayed in this region.

Source: M. Matthijs, Van Grafelijk Landgoed tot Provinciaal Trefcentrum. History of the Bailiff's House Galmaarden. HOLVEO (1998)

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