Wolvertem

Tucked away in the Flemish Brabant, Wolvertem awaits. Wolvertem is more than just a name on a map. It’s a vibrant thread in the rich tapestry of Meise, Belgium. Wolvertem is a deelgemeente, a sub-municipality, with a story waiting to be unfolded. Wolvertem’s history stretches back centuries. The earliest mention of Wolvertem appears in 1086. It was mentioned in the founding charter of Dieleghem Abbey as Vulvrethem. The name likely originates from the 4th or 5th century. “Wolvert” comes from the Frankish personal name Wolfhart or Wolfert. The suffix “em” (heim) means “home.” So, Wolvertem translates to “home of Wolfhart.” Wolvertem boasts several smaller villages within its boundaries. These include Meuzegem, Rossem, Imde, and Westrode. There are also two hamlets without a church: Nerom and Slozen. Wolvertem’s history is marked by both prosperity and hardship. In 1669, a plague claimed the lives of 300 Wolvertem residents. This came at a time when the community was already struggling under the pressures of Louis XIV’s troops. These troops both occupied and plundered the region. The 18th century saw Wolvertem come under Austrian rule. During this period, the population grew significantly. By the end of the ancien régime, Wolvertem had become a municipality. In 1811, the neighboring municipalities of Meuzegem and Rossem-Impde were dissolved and incorporated into Wolvertem. For a long time, Wolvertem retained its rural character. This began to change with the arrival of the tram line between Wolvertem and Brussels in 1894. However, even with this development, Wolvertem maintained a rural charm. Wolvertem also played a role in World War II. In August 1942, Neromhof Castle was transformed into a maternity home. This was part of the Lebensborn project, a German state initiative. Its aim was to increase birth rates and create a “pure” Aryan race, aligning with Nazi racial ideology. After the Lebensborn facility in Wégimont opened in April 1943, the activities in Wolvertem ceased. Only 20 to 30 children were born there. Today, despite the post-war population growth, Wolvertem still holds onto its rural essence. It remains a captivating place to explore, a testament to its enduring history.