Niawier

Niawier ( Frisian: Nijewier ) is a village in the municipality Dongeradeel in the Dutch province of Friesland. It is located northeast of Dokkum and has 400 inhabitants (2008 ).

History

The name of the village Niawier designated a new ( nieuwe ) Increase ( wier ). With the increase of the mound was meant, which was filled to protect against surges and floods. This mound has been in the Middle Ages from the former Cistercian monastery of Sion, which was a sister monastery from Klaarkamp monastery built. It was one of the richest monastery of Friesland. But located on the site of the former monastery is now a residential building.

During construction work, a variety of silver coins from the period 1972 1562 to 1568 found. Some of these coins were produced in Groningen and some in Bruges. Since there is the coat of arms of Groningen and on the other hand the picture of Philip II on some of these coins, the origin of the coins could be determined.