Pier Gerlofs Donia

Pier Gerlofs Donia was a Frisian farmer and a famous rebel leader. He lived in the region of Friesland in the modern Netherlands. Most people know him by his nickname, Grutte Pier. In English, this means "Big Pier." This name refers to his legendary strength and size. He was born around 1480 near the city of Harlingen. His family lived in the village of Kimswerd. He married Rintsje Syrtsema and they had two children named Gerlof and Wobbel.

His life changed due to a violent conflict in Friesland. A military regiment called the Black Band was stationed near his village. This group served George, Duke of Saxony. They were part of a civil war between the Schieringers and the Vetkopers. The Black Band was a very violent force. They often took money from villagers when they were not paid. On January 29, 1515, the Black Band attacked Kimswerd. They burned the village church and Pier's estate. They also killed his wife, Rintze.

Driven by revenge, Pier began a guerrilla war against the Habsburg rulers. He allied himself with Charles of Egmond, the Duke of Guelders. Pier led an armed band called the Arumer Zwarte Hoop. This name translates to the "Black Hope" of Arum. His group acted as pirates on the Zuider Zee. They targeted ships from the English and the Dutch. In 1517, Pier used signal ships to attack the West Frisian coast. He also used his fleet to move Geldrian soldiers to Medemblik.

Pier held a personal grudge against the town of Medemblik. He believed the inhabitants had helped his enemies in the past. On June 24, 1517, Pier led 4,000 soldiers toward the town. They captured Medemblik and killed many people there. Some residents escaped to the safety of Kasteel Radboud. The governor of the castle, Joost van Buren, kept the rebels outside. Pier's army could not take the castle, so they burned the town. Most houses were made of wood, so the fire destroyed everything. The town hall, monastery, and church were all razed.

Pier continued his campaigns on land and at sea. He captured the town of Asperen and used it as a base. Later, the Stadhouder of Holland sent a war fleet to stop him. Anthonius van den Houte was named the Admiral of the Zuiderzee to lead this fleet. Although the Admiral had some success, Pier remained a threat. In 1518, Pier seized 11 Holland ships near Hoorn. He also defeated 300 Hollanders at Hindelopen. Legend says he used a special phrase to identify Frisians. The phrase was: "Bûter, brea en griene tsiis; wa't dat net sizze kin, is gjin oprjochte Fries."

Many stories describe Pier's extreme physical power. Some legends claim he could lift a horse over his head. Others say he pulled a plough himself without using horses. People even said he could bend coins using only three fingers. A very large sword is said to have been his. It is kept at the Fries Museum in Leeuwarden. The sword is quite heavy and very long. In 1791, two large swords were found in Leeuwarden. People believed these belonged to Pier and his lieutenant, Wijerd Jelckama.

Pier eventually retired from fighting in 1519. He died in his bed at Grootzand on October 28, 1520. He is buried in the Groote Kerk in Sneek. His son Gerlof died without children. However, his daughter Wobbel had children, so his descendants continued through her. Today, Pier is a major historical figure in Friesland. A 2020 study found that 70% of people in Friesland see him as a hero. His name is used for rugby clubs and many ships. He remains a symbol of Frisian identity and strength.