Wemmel

What secrets does Wemmel hold? Wemmel, a charming municipality nestled in Flemish Brabant, Belgium, whispers stories of ancient settlements and noble families. Right here, where we stand, once stood the Romans, who called this area home around the 2nd century AD. Their peaceful existence was shattered by Frankish invaders around 370 AD, forever changing the landscape of Wemmel. The heart of Wemmel grew around the Sint-Servaaskerk, the Church of Saint Servatius. The ground here proved ideal for construction, laying the foundation for this vibrant community. Wemmel’s history is deeply intertwined with the noble families who shaped its destiny. In the 12th century, the marshal Goswinus van Wembelne ruled these lands. His lineage held sway until the end of the century, when Isabella van Wembelne’s marriage to Aernout II of Kraainem brought Wemmel under Kraainem’s control. This powerful family produced notable figures, including Aernout III, who bravely fought alongside the French king at the Battle of the Golden Spurs. His son, Leo, a skilled diplomat, negotiated the 1366 treaty, resolving a dispute between the County of Flanders and the Duchy of Brabant. Wemmel’s story takes another turn with Leo’s granddaughter’s marriage to Gyselbrecht Taye. This brought Wemmel under the Coudenbergh family from Brussels, who elevated its status from a heerlijkheid to a barony and later, a margravate. Their reign ended in 1792 with the French invasion during the French Revolutionary Wars. In 1838, Wemmel’s fate shifted again when all family belongings were sold to Count Willem Bernard de Limburg-Stirum, who became the town’s mayor. His daughters resided in the castle until 1926. Their generous heirs then donated the castle to Wemmel, which now serves as the town hall, a beautiful reminder of its rich history. Wemmel is in Flanders, so the official language is Dutch. However, in 1954, special linguistic facilities were granted to the local French-speaking community. This allowed them to request official documents in French and use French in legal proceedings and some schools. Wemmel, though outside the Brussels-Capital Region, feels like a suburb of Brussels. It borders the city municipality of Jette and the neighborhood of Laeken. The Brussels orbital motorway, or ring, even cuts through the southern part of the town. Wemmel stands as a testament to its resilient spirit, a blend of history and modernity, where the echoes of the past resonate in the present.