The Groningen Herenpoort(other side) is paired with the outer side of the Deventer city gate, called Bergpoort. The eagle in the frieze was meant to underscore Deventer’s status as a so-called ‘free city-state’. A city-state fell under the direct authority of the Holy Roman Empire. Although this distinction was no longer relevant in the 17th century, it was still a source of ongoing pride.