Definition: Rewrite each original sentence in order to make it easier to understand by non-native speakers of English. You can do so by replacing complex words with simpler synonyms (i.e. paraphrasing), deleting unimportant information (i.e. compression), and/or splitting a long complex sentence into several simpler ones. The final simplified sentences need to be grammatical, fluent, and retain the main ideas of their original counterparts without altering their meanings.
Input: Originally it was a part of the earldom of Bentheim, before it became independent in 1454.

At first, it was part of the land managed by the Earl of Bentheim, before it became free in 1454.