One of the Wadden Islands, a long chain of sandy barrier islands stretching from the tip of Holland to the Jadebusen in Germany (the chain is called the Ostfriesische Islands in Germany). It is fourth in the line from the Holland headland (between Terschelling to the west and Engelschmanplaat to the east) - more-or-less due north of the Friesian capital of Leeuwarden. Occupied by Frisians for ages, it is first mentioned as Ambla in the 8th century. Although Holland, Friesland and the Holy Roman Emperor contested its quasi-independent status, Ameland remained a free lordship until 1795. Its lords bore the title of vrijheer (‘free lord’).