Hessel Martena

Hessel Martena (appointed approximately 1306 to 1312) was the tenth potestaat of Friesland.

Martena was particularly praised for his clever policy, calming the existing dispute between the Schieringers and Vetkopers which had developed to an extreme extent in his time.

After three centuries, the Dutch count William III of Holland, made an attempt to take over Friesland during his administration.

After the death of Hessel on 16 August 1312,[1] the conflict between the Vetkopers and Schieringers erupted again.

Hessel's life is described by Johannes Vlieterp,[2] the successor to the historian Occo Scarlensis.