Medieval Caching Geocoin

Medieval Caching Geocoin

The Medieval Caching Geocoin is based on a jeton of Hendrik XXI, lord of Brederode and Vianen, viscount of Utrecht, dated 1566. Jetons were token or coin-like medals produced across Europe from the 13th through the 17th centuries. They were produced as counters for use in calculation on a lined board similar to an abacus.

But the jeton has also another meaning. In 1560 viscount Hendrik of Brederode joined the protestant nobility in their protests against the spanish . He criticized the Catholic Clergymen and there wealthy lifestyle and even more, the few advisors of the central authority in Madrid which resulted in the replacement of the lower nobleman by civil servants of king Philip of Spain. In 1559 Philips appointed Antoine de Granvelle as prime minister to the regent Margaretha van Parma. He had a policy of severe repression and revitalised the inquisition. Hendrik was a wealthy noblemen and one of the first to take up arms against the Spanish troops.