Welcome on the "Portal" of the websites of the Knighthoods of the Netherlands.
"Ridderschappen" are associations of noble families, having historical ties with the province of their origine
Presently seven "Ridderschappen" exist in the Netherlands, together having a membership of over 500
In the Netherlands Ridderschappen do exist since the 14st century; originally as an advisory college to the local ruler.
From 1500 onward the Ridderschappen participated in the "States": the governmental bodies of their Province. In the "States" they were representing the rural countryside.
In the Dutch Republic, the Ridderschappen continued to participate in the States of all Provinces, except in the Friesland province and the Ommelanden region. In the Zealand Province, after 1572, the Ridderschap was replaced by the "Eerste Edele" (the principal lord).
For admission to a Ridderschap a noble linage was required and a manorial property (in Overijssel a havezat(h)e, in Utrecht a ridderhofstede).
In 1795 in the Netherlands the Ridderschappen were abolished. By the Constitution of 1814 they were restored.
The Ridderschappen became electoral colleges for the Provinciale States and also consequently for the Parlament.
Members of the Ridderschap could be admitted to the Provinciale Staten and could become a deputee in the Provincial Government;
In 1848, due to the new Constitution, the constitutional role of the Ridderschappen came to an end.
Some of the "Ridderschappen" continued to exist as associations of noble families of their province; others have been reinstituted recently. Ridderschappen are also anonymous benefactors, supporting cultural projects and projects to preserve the scenery in their provinces.

	THE RIDDERSCHAP of UTRECHT	www.ridderschap-utrecht.nl/
	THE RIDDERSCHAP of OVERIJSSEL
	THE RIDDERSCHAP of GELDERLAND	www.ridderschapvangelderland.nl
	THE RIDDERSCHAP of NOORD-BRABANT	www.ridderschapvannoordbrabant.nl
	THE RIDDERSCHAP of FRYSLÂN
	THE RIDDERSCHAP of ZEALAND	http://www.ridderschap-van-zeeland.nl/
	The RIDDERSCHAP of GRONINGEN