Willem, Duke of Gelre, count of Zutphen, ordered the major, schepenen and councils of Hattem to divide a common pasture amongst the citizens - living within the city walls - of Hattem, to be used in common. This order was executed two years later. Administration was performed by the magistrate and gemeenslieden from 1556 until 1798. From 1802 onwards the administration was carried out by five members for a period of 3 years, after which new administrators were appointed.