[4] Goutum developed on several terps (artificial living mounds) in the Middle Ages.

It was owned by the son of Sjoerd Wiarda, the potestaat (comparable to governor) of Friesland.

In 1481, the Wiardas and the villagers of Goutum participated in an attack on the city of Leeuwarden, and were defeated.

[6] The Protestant church of Goutum dates from the 15th century and is located on top of a terp.

For most of its history, Goutum was a small village to the south of the provincial capital Leeuwarden.