The article is the second of two papers concerning the end of Frisian freedom. The first paper discussed the history of the only ratified charter that confirmed the so-called Charles Privilege that would have enacted Frisian freedom (a presumably thirteenth-century falsum). It gave a brief overview of the development of Frisian liberty in its relation to Frisian history. The present article focuses on the charter issued on September 23, 1493, by Roman King Maximilian I at the request of a delegation from the West Frisian lands. The charter text consists of five parts. The first part, the arenga, is a formal introduction. In the second part, Maximilian I praises the loyalty of the Frisians confirming their privileges, including the so-called Charles Privilege. In the third part, the Charles Privilege is rendered completely, giving it thus an official status. In the penultimate section, Maximilian modifies the Charles Privilege on two points. He wishes the Frisians not to be armed in the French manner, but to follow the custom of the Holy Roman Empire. On the second point, Maximilian I refers to Sigismund’s previous privilege of 1417 and demands the payment of a tribute. Furthermore, in the last paragraph, Maximilian calls on the Frisians to choose a potestate. As the Frisians proved unable to do so, they were eventually completely subjugated. Thus ended the Frisian freedom ended in 1498 for nearly 450 years. This paper obtains as well a complete edition of the Latin text of the charter and its English translation.
The article discusses the history of the only ratified charter that confirmed the so-called Charles Privilege that would have enacted Frisian freedom (a presumably thirteenth-century falsum). This charter was issued by Roman King Maximilian I on 23 September 1493 on request of representatives from the West Frisian territories. This article discusses the background of this privilege. It gives a brief overview of the development of Frisian liberty in its relation to Frisian history. Then the so-called Magnus Legend, being connected with Frisian freedom, is discussed. It discusses briefly the alleged privilege of Charlemagne and the Frisian privileges of Roman King and Count of Holland William II (1248) and the Emperor Sigismund (1417). A sequel of this article is planned for publication in the next issue of Scandinavian Philology. In that paper, a more closely look will be given at Maximilian’s privilege, after which Frisian freedom ended in 1498 for nearly 450 years. It will obtain as well a complete edition of the Latin text of the charter and its English translation.