It is a part of the municipality of Borger-Odoorn, and lies about 18 km east of Assen.
The village was first mentioned between 1381 and 1383 as "te Bronyncgem", and means "settlement of the people of Bruno (person)".
The owner was later involved in a sexual abuse scandal and the monastery has since been dissolved.
The site was investigated by Albert Egges van Giffen in 1918, and much pottery was discovered.
A missing side stone was discovered in the cellar and has been placed back in its original position.