History

Here you can find a number of articles on various historical topics. Heavily featured is the First World War and its impact on Belgium, such as How did it all begin, and What happened after the Armistice?

I also cover the rise and fall of the Flemish cloth industry, and various processions that commemorate historical events, such as the procession of the Holy Blood in Bruges. Much more is covered; just browse and see!

Stretcher bearers at Passchendaele, August 1917

Canadians in Belgium: 1914-18

An exhibition at the In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres focuses on the contribution of Canadian soldiers in the First World War

Soldiers relaxing in Talbot house

Talbot House: A shelter amidst the storm

Talbot House in Poperinge is one of the most evocative First World War sites in Belgium. It was used by soldiers for rest and relaxation before returning to the Front. It’s still very much as it used to be 100 years ago.

Flanders Fields reconstruction after Armistice 1918

Armistice Day 1918: What Happened Next?

Armistice Day 1918 marked the end of the First World War. We tend to think “phew, that was that!” and believe that people could finally get “back to normal”. But to the Flemish returning to Flanders Fields, they were greeted by desolation and danger. It marked the start of a huge clear-up of the devastated landscape.

Belgian Heritage Day

Belgian Heritage Day: A guide for aliens

Mostly everyone in Flanders knows that the first Sunday after the Easter Holidays is the annual Heritage Day (Erfgoeddag). But if you’ve recently arrived in Flanders from a different planet, here’s a short guide to what it’s all about.

Belgian draft horse and foal

The Belgian draft horse

The Belgian draft horse is a spectacular animal. We look at its history, evolution, and current usage in Belgium and America.