# Burgomaster Beresteyn — The First Sir Percy character guide > Burgomaster Beresteyn in The First Sir Percy by Baroness Orczy. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** the burgomaster, the Burgomaster, The burgomaster, Burgomaster Beresteyn, the Burgomaster Beresteyn **First appearance:** 0000-i-a-night-on-the-veluwe ## Snapshot Chief magistrate of Amersfoort and father of the bride, a man of grave dignity who must weigh his daughter's happiness against a ruthless lord's threats. ## Who they are Burgomaster Beresteyn is the city's foremost civic authority, second only to the Stadtholder in council, and the anxious father presiding over his children's double wedding. He has already suffered much, and now faces Stoutenburg's monstrous bargain — his daughter's kiss in exchange for a condemned man's life — with fists clenched and a murderous light in his eyes. His anguished refusal and helpless dignity anchor the story's moral centre. ## Relationships ### [Lord Stoutenburg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/lord_stoutenburg) _rivalry_ Burgomaster Beresteyn is a staunch opponent of Stoutenburg's treasonous plots. ### [Gilda Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/gilda_beresteyn) _family_ Burgomaster Beresteyn is Gilda's uncle, protective of her and concerned for her safety. ### [Mynheer Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/mynheer_beresteyn) _family_ The two Beresteyns are brothers, sharing a close familial bond and political alignment. ### [The Stadtholder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/the_stadtholder) _professional_ Burgomaster Beresteyn is a loyal magistrate and supporter of the Stadtholder's rule. ### [Lord Stoutenburg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/lord_stoutenburg) _rivalry_ Burgomaster Beresteyn is a staunch opponent of Stoutenburg's treasonous plots. ### [Mynheer Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/mynheer_beresteyn) _family_ The two Beresteyns are brothers, sharing a close familial bond and political alignment. ### [The Stadtholder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/the_stadtholder) _professional_ Burgomaster Beresteyn is a loyal magistrate and supporter of the Stadtholder's rule. ### [Lord Stoutenburg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/lord_stoutenburg) _rivalry_ Burgomaster Beresteyn is a staunch opponent of Stoutenburg's treasonous plots. ### [Gilda Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/gilda_beresteyn) _family_ Burgomaster Beresteyn is Gilda's uncle, protective of her and concerned for her safety. ### [Mynheer Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/mynheer_beresteyn) _family_ The two Beresteyns are brothers, sharing a close familial bond and political alignment. ### [Gilda Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/gilda_beresteyn) _family_ Burgomaster Beresteyn is Gilda's uncle, protective of her and concerned for her safety. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) The host of the double wedding, chief civic magistrate of Amersfoort, known for his lavish hospitality. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Gilda's father, a civic dignitary who questions Nicolaes about the fugitives from Ede and waits for the Stadtholder's arrival. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Receives the Stadtholder and defends the city's delay in evacuating. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) The burgomaster is busy and cannot be seen; his house is besieged by citizens seeking his help. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Responds to the Stadtholder, promising to assemble the citizens and bring order. ### [Mala Fides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ix-mala-fides) Defies Stoutenburg and curses his son Nicolaes before being dragged away by soldiers. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) His house is taken over by Stoutenburg as headquarters. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) In his private apartments; Stoutenburg orders him to be disarmed if he resists. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Sits with set lips, suppressing his indignation to save the city. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/viii) The burgomaster is seen coming out of the room after the shot, locking the door, and walking steadily upstairs, looking like a man who has seen a ghost. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Sits with Gilda in the small hours, speaking in a tone of admonition. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) His influence and wealth are now tied to Stoutenburg through Gilda. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) The burgomaster who helps Diogenes escape from the house via the service staircase. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Hears of his son's death and murmurs a brokenhearted 'Thank God!' ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/burgomaster_beresteyn - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters