Land van Arkel

Present-day towns in the territory include Leerdam, Arkel, Heukelum, Asperen, Hagestein, Haastrecht and Gorinchem.

Around 1234–1240, Herbaren II, lord of Ter Leede, is supposed to have moved to Arkel in order to settle there.

In 1272, the port of Gorinchem was bought from the lord of Bentheim, which allowed for toll collection on the Lek and Merwede rivers.

In 1290, John II dedicated his castle at Gorinchem to his feudal liege lord, Floris V, count of Holland, in deference to his authority.

The power of the Lords of Arkel was at its highest at the end of the 14th century; the fortress on the eastern bank of the city of Gorinchem becoming known as The Imperial Castle.

The Duchy of Gelderland, the County of Holland and the Prince-Bishopric of Utrecht watched grudgingly as the economic and military powers of the fiefdom grew.