HUNS FRIESLAND.
READ ALL ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE VILLAGE
THE KAATS FIELD
The large kaats court is typical of Húns. The field was originally part of the mound on which the church was built. The field is a rectangular plot that in the past was also used by farmers as pasture for their sheep. This open area is centuries old and is even indicated on a map from 1718.
Kaatsen: a typical Frisian sport
Kaatsen is a real Frisian folk sport with a long history. The game is played on a large grass field, such as the Kaats field in Húns. Two teams of three players face each other. They hit a small, hard ball back and forth with their bare hands. The goal? To score points by hitting the ball out of reach of the opponent.
In Húns, the kaats field is an important meeting place for the villagers. During the summer months, there are regular competitions and tournaments. Young and old participate or watch from the sidelines. The kaats game unites the community and keeps Frisian traditions alive. On warm summer days, the kaats field is a vibrant place full of sportsmanship and conviviality.
THE HÚNSER MILL
The polder mill between Húns and Winsum was built in 1829. The mill is still used today to prevent the canals of Húns from flooding. In 2001, the mill received support from a pumping station that was placed next to it to keep the polder mechanically dry.
THE SCHOOL BUILDING
For years, Húns' former primary school was a ruin. It was under construction for more than 25 years. In 2015, an artist bought the neglected building, which was on the verge of collapse. What was once an abandoned school is now a lively studio, where artists come together to brainstorm and create. In addition, the building is also rented to other artists, making it a vibrant hub for artistic expression.
THE NICHOLAS CHURCH
The Nicolaaskerk in the village is a real eye-catcher. It stands proudly on a high mound in the middle of the village. This mound is part of the protected village view. It tells a lot about the rich history of the village.
Ancient architecture: the construction of the Nicolaas Church
Shortly after 1200, the Nicolaaskerk was built. The church dominates the village with its characteristic tower. On the west and north side you can still see the original building material. Yellow monastery bricks decorate the walls. The south side has undergone some changes over the years.
Unique features: the church's facade tower and clock
The wooden facade tower dates from the 18th century. On the village side hangs a clock face. In the tower hangs a special bell from 1617. This was cast by Hans Falck, a well-known bell founder from that time.
Special elements in the interior
Inside you will find many interesting elements. There is a beautiful pulpit and a baptismal fence. The church also has an organ that was built around 1875 by Willem Hardorff. These parts give the church a rich appearance.
Contrasts in architectural style: old meets new
The south side of the church has a different story to tell. In the 19th century, cement plaster was applied here. This has been repaired several times since then. The difference with the original side makes the church extra special.
Architectural details that tell the story
Also note the two bricked-up entrances. They are silent witnesses of times gone by. The pointed arch window is another striking feature. These details make the church a fascinating building to look at.
THE ROOF TILES FROM HÚNS
Húns was very isolated until well into the 18th century. The only roads out of the village were the ascent from Húns to the Bolswardertrekvaart and a path that ran from the church of Húns to Hoptille and Hylaard.
Despite the small size of the village and its isolation, a craft was developed during that period. Around 1750, a baker of tiled roofs settled in the village. Those red tiles can still be found in Húns: in the village coat of arms, in the flag and everywhere you dig a shovel in the ground you come across broken roof tiles.
The factory for baking roof tiles and bricks was on the other side of the highway. Near the buildings on the Panwurksbrêge.
The cultural and social life of Húns
Despite its modest size, Húns is full of life. The large kaatsveld, a remnant of the old terp, forms the social heart of the village. Here, residents come together for sporting activities and village events. The former school, now a lively artists' hub, contributes to the cultural life of the village. The number of residents may have decreased over the years, but the sense of community has not diminished. Visitors are warmly welcomed and can immerse themselves in authentic Frisian village life. Whether you want to enjoy a walk along the picturesque houses, visit the historic church, or relax in the living room of your holiday home, Húns offers a unique experience that captures the essence of Friesland.
THE TERP
Like many other villages and towns in Friesland, Húns started on a mound. From the 6th century BC to 1100 AD, a large number of mounds were constructed in Friesland. This is how the village of Húns was created. It was built as an agricultural settlement in the middle of a salt marsh area: Westergo.
THE MIDDLE SEA
There were many sea inlets and creeks in the Westergo area. Around 800 AD, the Middel See emerged from one of those channels. To better defend themselves against the waters of the Middle Sea, the settlement was turned into an elevated place of residence; a mound.
In the late Middle Ages, more and more sea dykes were constructed. As a result, it was no longer necessary for the residents of Húns to live on the mound, and construction was also carried out on lower ground.
THE DYKES
In the first half of the 10th century, the first mounds in Friesland were connected with ring dykes. There are already plans to protect the entire Westergo with a sea dyke.
The first part of this was constructed in the 11th century: a western dyke between the villages of Hylaard and Bozum, which was called the Slagtedijk. Several roads led from this dyke to other settlements such as Mantgum and Húns.
HUYNGHE DYCKE
A century later, a new part of the sea wall was completed; in the year 1473, the Huynghe (Húns) dycke was mentioned for the first time.
The dikes were the most important land routes for the communities in Friesland. The rest of the transport went via waterways. For example, there was a canal from Húns to the Bolswardertrekvaart: the Huinservaart.
Want to know more about the Bolswardertrekvaart? Read on:
THE NAME 'HÚNS'
The oldest known spelling (Hunenghe) dates from the 13th century. The name is derived from the personal name 'Huno'. Hunenghe meant: the people of Huno. In 1370 the village was known as Hynnynghe. In 1473 the name changed to Huynghe Dycke and nine years later back to Huyns. In 1505 the spelling changed to Huns. For a while the village even had two spellings: Huins (Dutch) and Húns (Frisian). Since 1991 the Frisian spelling Húns has been definitively chosen.
Want to know more about the Frisian language? Read more here:
THE 19TH CENTURY
More and more houses are appearing along the ascent from Húns to the Bolswardertrekvaart, such as Húns 16. A school and a new parsonage are also being built. The population grew from 140 in 1840 to 251 in 1880. But when the craft of pan-making disappeared from Húns, the population quickly decreased again.
The population is then dependent on agriculture. In the second half of the 19th century, many mounds were excavated throughout Friesland; the fertile soil was used for fields. During that period, two large parts of the Húns mound were also excavated: a part north of the cemetery and the open plot, which changed from a higher pasture into a lower field.
During that period, Húns also increasingly emerged from her isolation. The path from Hylaard that first ended at the church is extended to villages such as Leons . And when the N359 (the Westergowei) was also constructed a century later, Húns was completely accessible.
THE 20TH CENTURY
In the 20th century, agriculture became increasingly professionalized. As a result, the population is declining rapidly. In 1978, only 100 people lived there. There was also a lot of vacancy in Húns during that period. As a result, the school building slowly turned into a ruin. Fortunately, the building was saved in the 21st century and has now been beautifully renovated. Many other buildings in the village - such as Húns 16 - are also getting a major makeover, so that the small, typical terp village is flourishing again.
The village in modern times
Although the village has retained its historical charm, it has certainly moved with the times. Many houses have been modernised. And so has our holiday home of course. You will be provided with all modern conveniences here. A spacious kitchen, comfortable bedrooms and contemporary facilities make your stay very pleasant. At the same time, many original details have been preserved, so that the history remains tangible.