Landdrost

Landdrost was the title of various officials with local jurisdiction in the Netherlands. The term is a Dutch compound, with land meaning "region" and drost, from Middle Dutch drossāte which originally referred to a lord's chief retainer (who later became the medieval seneschal or steward), equivalent to:

  • an English reeve or steward;
  • a Low German Drost(e) of Northern Germany (cognate with German Truchsess); or
  • German Meier (from Latin majordomus).

Read more about Landdrost:  Feudal Era, Dutch Cape Colony and Boer Secessions, Netherlands Under Napoleonic Rule, In 19th Century Hanover, Post-World War II Dutch-occupied Germany, Openbaar Lichaam Zuidelijke IJsselmeerpolders, Sources and References