The oldest document
The oldest record in Zoetermeer dates from 1504. It is a book in which the village administrators give an account of financial management.
Hendrik Jacobszoon, the sexton, laid out this book and writes that it belongs to the craft (village) of Zegwaart. The bailiffs Joost Claeszoon and Cornelis Goesenzoon, a kind of aldermen, answer to the bailiff Aernt Claeszoon Hoflant. Also present is Claes Peter Meynertzoon, who is to succeed Joost.
Morgengeld
The book records the village's finances. Accounts included the morgengeld, a water board tax levied per morgen (about one hectare). The "bede of my gracious lord," or tax from the count of Holland, is also recorded in the book.
First page
The first page reads as follows:
Item dit boeck wort ghemaect in 't jaer ons Heren doe men scref XVc en iiii op Sinte Odulphusdach, bij Henric Jacopssoen die coster en hoert toe dat ambocht van Zegwaert.
Item Joost Claesz en Cornelis Goessenz als ambochtbewarder van Zegwaert hebben gherekent op den dach voirs. teghen den scout van Zegwaert Aernt Hoflant Claesz mit den heemraet van Zegwaert en Claes Peter Meynertz. den dienst van Joost Claesz overnam van merghengelt en mijns ghenaden heeren bee en alle andere ongelden.