Ygo Gales Galama - Later Years and Death

Later Years and Death

The arrival of duke Albrecht in 1498 ensured a central authority that not only provided a visible presence, but also provided clear legislation and jurisdiction. The duke introduced general governing board measures, such as laws and taxes. The arrival of Albrecht and the setting-up of a governing board appropriate for Friesland however did not go without problems.

Fragments from the ' doodtboeck ' (deathbook) of Ernestus van Harinxma.

In 1613 Ernestus van Harinxma van Donia, a descendant of Haring Harinxma (Haring Donia) wrote a book concerning the deaths of Frisian nobles. In the 'Doodtboeck' he describes the violent struggle between the Schieringers and Vetkopers. Below is a report of the assassination of Ygo Gales Galama.

From the 'Doodtboeck':

Transcription (in Middle Dutch) Anno 1492 Den 25 januari worde Ygo Galama in een slach by Worckum van den Schyringers gevangen ende dootlyck ghewont ende naedat hy ghebiecht hadde is hy des selven nachts tot 9 uren van Seerp Beyma knechten noch dootgheslaegen. Alsoo dat die stoute helt ende het hooft der Vetcoepers in Westerghoo aldaer sijn affganck ende eynde ghecreegen heeft.

English translation: In the year 1492 on 25 January Ygo Galama in a battle near Workum got caught by the Schieringers and mortally wounded. And after he had confessed, he was yet beaten to death on the same night at 9 o'clock by the soldiers of Seerp Beyma. Thus that this brave hero and leader of the Vetkopers in Westergo there met his passing and end.