In 1529 Jacob van Aaken began the construction of this leaning, crooked and ultimately unfinished tower. It was intended that a new church would rise next to the Oldehove to replace the old St. Vitus Church, but it never came to that. The tower was supposed to be over 120 meters. It was not easy for master builder Jacob van Aaken, as the tower was already leaning during construction. Attempts were made to build on the slanting substructure at right angles, but unfortunately without the desired result. In 1532 Jacob van Aaken was dismissed and replaced by Cormelis Frederiks. Construction stopped in 1533 and never resumed. Special functions the tower never had. Nevertheless, the tower has become one of the most important symbols of the city of Leeuwarden. The people of Leeuwarden are proud of their Oldehove. "A'k de Oldehove niet siën ken, dan foël ik my onwennich", is a well-known saying in the city dialect.
