Once, two ponds shimmered here. Now, we stand on Rue de Liedekerke. This street owes its existence and name to a count. Let’s uncover its story.
Rue de Liedekerke links Chaussée de Louvain to Place Houwaert. It officially opened in 1858. King Leopold I approved its creation July 21, 1858.
The street’s path crossed the estate of the Count of Liedekerke. Therefore, it was named after him. The street’s construction aimed to connect Chaussée de Louvain with a new slaughterhouse. This is now Rue du Mérinos.
Building Rue de Liedekerke required draining two ponds. These ponds lay along the Koningsbeek stream. The Koningsbeek originated from the large pond of Saint-Josse. It fed ponds on J. B. Houwaert’s property. Before that it skirted the edge of the Dukes of Burgundy’s castle.
Most houses along Rue de Liedekerke arose between 1860 and 1880. Some buildings are newer. Numbers 103, 105, and 107 were built in 1903. Numbers 68 and 82 date back to 1911 and 1910.
Neoclassical style dominates the facades. Painted plaster and molded window frames are common. Some facades show richer details. Pilasters, baseboards with raised panels, and carved keystones appear. Houses at numbers 15, 87, 89, 98, 108, 109, 110, 111, and 118 display these features. Many houses feature double doors. These doors have neoclassical-style molded decorations. You can spot them at numbers 118 and 125.
Some houses exhibit eclectic styles. Numbers 82, 103-105, and 107 are examples. Number 112 showcases Art Nouveau. Many facades have been cemented. Others are covered in yellow or white brick. Some are coated with roughcast plaster.
Numbers 40 to 64 were demolished. The city high school replaced them in 1952 and 1988. The entrance to Parc de Liedekerke is at numbers 51 and 53. This park sits inside the block. At the corner of Rue de la Ferme number 51 stands a social housing building from 1977. Some houses retain old shop fronts. You can see these at numbers 134 and 136. A few others have wooden shutters like those at numbers 87 and 98.
Interestingly, the de Liedekerke family has deep roots. Their history began in 1301. Knight Raas of Herzele signed a document in Beveren. His descendants then took the name de Liedekerke. The family has connections to the Dukes of Burgundy. Raas of Liedekerke served Charles the Bold. The family also has ties to the House of Habsburg. Steven of Liedekerke served Maximilian I of Austria.
The de Liedekerke family has contributed much to Belgian history. They include mayors, military figures and resistance fighters. Even today, the family ranks among Belgium’s wealthiest. Rue de Liedekerke stands as a testament to their legacy. It connects the past with the present.