House of Lynden


Van Lynden is one of the oldest families of the Dutch nobility, originating in the Duchy of Guelders. This family later gave rise to different branches. Most remained in the Netherlands and produced several Dutch politicians, ministers, and military leaders. One branch settled further south in the Prince-Bishopric of Liège, several members of whom became politicians, ministers, and religious and military leaders serving Liège, the Holy Roman Empire, and finally Belgium.

History of the family

The oldest van Lynden is mentioned in the year 1307. The family takes its name from the village Lienden in the Dutch province of Gelderland. From 1620, the van Lynden family ruled in the County of Rekem, a territory with Imperial immediacy in the Lower Rhenish–Westphalian Circle of the Holy Roman Empire, until it was seized by France in 1793. Count John Nepomuk Gobert of Aspremont-Lynden received Baindt Abbey as compensation in 1802. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the family produced several notable politicians. Members carry the title of baron or count.

Notable members

This coat of arms is depicted in the medieval Gelre Armorial.

Places related to the family