Lodewijk Huygens

Background

He was the third son of the diplomat Constantijn Huygens and Suzanna van Baerle.

Career

His two older brothers were Constantijn Huygens, Junior. and the scientist Christiaan Huygens. At the age of 20 Huygens carried out diplomatic missions in England. In 1672 the newly appointed Stadtholder William III of Orange, later king William III of England and Ireland and William II of Scotland, appointed Huygens as sheriff of Gorinchem.

Accusations of corruption against Huygens eventually resulted in a criminal case before the Provincial Court of Holland and Zeeland, yet Huygens was able to return to his office of sheriff of Gorinchem in 1678.

Strife and conflict in the city of Gorinchem continued after Huygens" return, which ultimately resulted in Huygens" fall from grace with his patron William III in 1685.

Membership

Huygens "voluntarily" gave up his office of sheriff of Gorinchem and was appointed member of the Admiralty of the Meuse instead.

Connections

opponent:

Jacob van der Ulft