Wier, Netherlands

The village was first mentioned in the 13th century as Werue, and means terp (artificial living hill).[4] The terp probably dates from the beginning of our era and was located on the outskirts of the Middelzee. It was originally a fishing village, and was connected to Berlikum via a canal.[5]

The Dutch Reformed church was built in the 12th century. The tower dates from 1881. The church was restored in 2012. The church contains a unique astrarium which was created by an onderduiker (person in hiding) during World War II and donated to the church in 1946.[6]

The stins Lauta State was first mentioned in 1192. Around 1740, it was owned by Horatius Hiddema van Knijff, the grietman (mayor/judge) of Menaldumadeel. The population considered the taxes in the grietenij too high, and van Knijff was accused of conspiring with the French. On the night of 1 to 2 June 1748, there was a revolt and the angry population burnt down the estate. Van Knijff managed to flee. Only the tower remained standing until c. 1900 when it was demolished.[7]

When the Middelzee started to retreat, Wier turned into an agricultural community.[5] Wier was home to 258 people in 1840.[6] In 1981, a radar post was built in Wier as part of the NATO Integrated Air Defense System. In 2021, the installation was renewed, and the old tower was replaced.[8]

Before 2018, the village was part of the Menameradiel municipality.[6]

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  Protestant church
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  Radar installation (2008)
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  Cat statue