Flanders

Sources from old books

1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.

THE COVNTIE OF FLANDERS. (Book Flanders)

FLanders although it be not of any great antiquitie, yet no reason can be given for the name of it. Some derive it from a Cittie of that name situated there where Ardenburg is now; Others derive it from Flandbertus, the sonne of Blesinda, who was sister to Clodion King of France: Flandbertus lived in the yeare of Christ 445. Some suppose that this Countrey was so named from Flandrina the wife of Lydericke the first Earle thereof. Some derive it a flatu and fluctibus, that is, from the winde and waves, which in regard of the neere Vicinitie of the Ocean doe beate upon this Countrie. So that even to the yeare 1340. it was a caution used in selling or conveying of land, that if the Sea broake into it within ten yeares afterward, the contract and bargaine should be then voyde and of none effect: The bounds of it now are on the South Artesia, with Hannonia, & part of Picardie: on the East Hannonia & Brabant: on the North the Ocean, with Honta or the mouth of Scaldis, which parteth Flanders from Zeland: on the West the Brittish Ocean or Germaine Sea. It is three dayes journey in length, namely from Scaldis on the other side of Antwerp, even to the new ditch, which is 30 miles. The breadth of it is twenty miles. The ayre of the Country is temperate: the soyle fertile, especially that part which is neere the Ocean, and France. There are faire Meddowes, which may appeare from hence, in regard that Horse-riders doe yearely bring Colts out of other neghbour Countries into Franders: which through the goodnesse of the pasture, and sweetnesse of the ayre, being leane before, doe quickely grow fat and plumpe. It breedeth also diverse sorts of tame Cattell; very pleasant and delicate in taste, and also an incredible sort of wilde beasts. There are also divers kindes of fowles, as Pheasants, Partridges, Peacockes, Hernes, and Storkes. The inhabitants of this Country were heretofore so addicted to warre, that they never scarsely lived quietly or peaceably: so that their armies have invaded Syria, and the holy Land, and Hierusalem. There are 30 walled Citties in Flanders. Gandauum, Bruges, Ypra, Insula, Duacum, Tornacum, Cortracum, Aldenarda, Alostum, Hulsta, Teneramunda, Birsletum, Newporte, Sluse, Dunkerck, Graveling, Burburg, Dammum, Dixmuda, Furna, Ardenburgum, Ninova, Berga, Gerardmontium, Cast•llum, Donza, Orchianum, Lanoyum, Axella, and Ostend. Besides these, there are also free Townes, which are not inferiour unto Citties neither for nobilitie, or Priviledges, nor magnificent structures, or populousnesse: as Bella, Poperinga, Hondtscota, Eccloa, Gistella, Middleburrough, and twenty others. There are in all 1556 villages so that it is a usuall Proverbe, that Flanders doth exceed all the Countries in the world, and when the Spaniards came into this province with King Phillip, they thought that all Flanders was but one Cittie. It is now divided into three parts, the Dutch, the French, and the Imperiall part. The chiefe is Gandavum which was built by C. Iulius Caesar, when he stayed in Morinium: it is called in Dutch Gendt, the Italians call it Guanto, the French Gand. It is situate foure miles from the Sea, and is watered with foure pleasant Rivers. For Scaldis commeth to it out of Hannonia, Lisa out of Artesia, Livia out of the Haven or Sluce, and Moero from the Ambactae. It is ten miles distant from Antwerpe, and as many from Bruxells, Mechlin, and Middleburrough. The compasse of it within the walls is, 45640 Romaine feete, that is seaven Italian miles. It hath 26. Islands, and two hundred and eight Bridges, and foure water mills. And an infinite number of handmills. And an hundred wind mills. It hath five and fifty Churches, and five Abbies. The Citizens of this Citty are famous for Nobility, wealth, and courage. Here the Emperour Charles the fifth was borne. It also brought forth these learned men, Iudocus Badius, Iohannes Cornarius, Laevinus Brechtus, and the other, Lavinus Torrentius, Baldvinus Ronsaeus, Vtenhovious, and many others. There are two and fiftie kindes of trades in this Cittie. And seaven and twenty sorts of Weavers, which were first instituted by the Earle Baldwin, the sonne of Arnold the Great, in the yeere 865. Brugae, or Brugges, taketh its name either from the many bridges belonging to it, or from the bridge Brug-stocke, neere Oldenburg, and Ardenburg; out of the ruines of which Cittie eight hundred yeeres before, the Castell of Brugges was first built; it is situated three miles from the Sea, in a plaine place. The compasse of it within the wall 26600 Romane feete, that is, foure Italian Miles and an halfe. It is the pleasantest Cittie not onely in all Flanders, but also in all the Low Countries: it hath threescore Churches, the chiefe and fairest whereof, is Saint Domatians Church, which was heretofore consecrated to the blessed Virgin; it was built by Lidericke the first, Earle of Flanders, in the yeere 621. There are threescore and eight kindes of trades in it. Ypra is so called from the little River Ypra that floweth by it, commonly called Yperen; it was built in the yeere 1060. The foundation of this Citty is sayd to be of Lead, and that in regard of the many leaden pipes, which doe convey water through the whole Cittie. And these are the chiefe Citties. The Havens follow: Sluce is named from the Catarracts or falling of waters, which the Flandrians doe call Sluys, it is a Sea Towne: it hath a great Haven, wherein fifty ships may conveniently ride. Over against it is the Isle Cadsant, where George Cassander was borne. Ostend is situated neere the Ocean, being famous for that grievous seige, which the Arch Duke Albert layd against it, which it valiantly sustained and held out three yeares, and some monethes, with great losse of men on both sides. Nieuport is three miles from Ostend, being a Sea Cittie, where Iodocus Clichtoveus was borne, neere unto which is the Abbey of S. Bernard, in which heeretofore there was the most famous, and best furnished Library in all the Low Countries. Dunkerke was built it the yeere 1166. by Baldwin the sonne of Arnold, and Earle of Flanders. It hath a very short Haven, which troubleth all the neighbouring Seas. This Citty belongeth to the King of Navarre. I passe over the other Citties of Dutch Flanders. In French Flanders there is the Isle so called from the auncient seate thereof; it was once invironed with Lakes and Marshes: it is a famous Cittie, both for populousnesse, wealth, and good lawes, and strongest except Antwerpe, and Amsterdam. Douay is situated by the River Scarpia, heere Robert Gaguinus was borne: It hath an Vniversitie, which was built not many yeares agoe by Philip the second King of Spaine. Also Orchies is in this tract of ground, and Lannoyum famous for the Lords thereof, and by Francis Raphelengius Cittizen thereof; there is also Espinoyum, Armentiers and Tornacum, or Tournay. In the Emperiall part of Flanders there is Alostum, which is a faire Cittie and well fortified by the River Tenera, and adorned with the title of a Countie. It hath 170 Villages under it: 2 Principalities, the Steenhusensian and the Gavarensian, and many Baronies: there is also the Territorie of Wassia, in which there are foure Townes: Hulsta, Axela, Bochoute and Assenede Rupelmonda is a Castell by the River Rupella, which we cannot omit in this place, in memory of our Gerard Mercator, a most famous Mathematitian, and Cosmographer, and the Ptolemie of our age. The Rivers are Scaldis, Lisa, Tenera, Livia, Ypra, Aa, Scarpa, Rupela, and others: there are few Mountaines, but there are many Woods and those very profitable, the chiefe whereof are Niepensian, and the Nonnensian. The Politicke state of Flanders consisteth of three members. The first are the Ecclesiasticall Prelates, as namely seaven Abbots of the order of Saint Benedict: as the Abbots of Saint Peter, and Saint Ba•f•, S. Winnocke in Bergen, Saint Andries, Saint Peter, of Ename, of Murchiemie. Five Abbots of the order of Saint Bernard: of Dunen, of Boudeloo, of Doest, of Ciammerez, of Marchiemie: and the Prior of Waerchot. Three Abbots of the order of the Praemonstratensians: S. Nicolas in Vuerne, of Drogon, of S. Cornelis in Nienove. Seaven Abbots of regular Cannons: the Abbots of Eechoute, of Soctendale, Warneston, Sunnebecke, Cisoing, Falempium. Seaven Provosts of the same order of S. Marten in Ipera, Wormesele, of Watene, of Loo, of Eversa, and Petendale. The second member is of the Nobility, in which are five Viccounts. The Viecount Gendt, of Yperen, of Vuerne, of Bergen, of Haerlebecke. Three Principalities: of Steenhuse, of Gavere, of Eshinoy. Foure Barons, 2 in the Counties of Cysoing and Heyne: 2 in the Lordship of Pamaele and Boelare. The Military Tribunes are of Banderheereen, in the Teutonicke Countie, also the Lord of Nevele, of Dixmunde, of Beneren, of Praet neere Brugges: of Haerskerke, of Watene, of Hevergem, of Wasteine, of Cacct•n, of Ingelmunster, of Pouke, of Gruithuse, of Male, of Maldegem, of Ostcamp, of Winendale, of Colscamp, of Ghistele, of Sevecote, of Roussclare, of Waestene, of Hondscote, and also of Cassel, of Norturie, of Haveskerck, of Halewyn. In the French Countie are the Lords of Lille, of Waurin, and of Comene. In the Lordshippe of Flanders there are the Lords of Rhode, of Gavero, of Sotteghem, of Gontero, of Scorisse, of Poitz, of Liekerck, of Lumbeke, of Rotselar in Meerbeke: Also of Wedergraet in Neyghem, and of Steenehuse. The third member doth consist of the speciall Citties. In the Dutch Flanders, foure speciall Citties doe make up this member, Gandavum, after which Burgraviatus Gandensis, Oudenarde and Biervliet. In the Signiorie there are some certaine Fee Farmes of the Empire, as Ambachten, dat Landt vanWaes, 't Graefschap van Aelst, and other free Lordships, as Bornhem, Dendermonde, Geerdsberge. Bruges by whom are censt both for armes and Subsidies, namely the whole Franconate ('t Vrie) and the walled and not walled Townes, therein contained. Ypra, under which both for matters of arme and subsidies, are Yperen-Ambacht, Bellen-Ambacht, and Cassel-Ambacht: the Champion Franconate (Het plat te Vrie) under which Vuern-Ambacht, Bergen-Ambacht and Brouchorg-Ambacht. In the French part are three principall Citties, Lille, (Ryssel) Douay, Orchies. The Lordship of Tournay and the state adjoyned to Flanders, doth consist of three members: the Clergie, the Nobility, and sixe supreame Iustices. Flanders hath one Bishop of Tournay, who is subject to the Archbishop of Rhemes, which is neverthelesse divided into 4 Episcopal Dioecesses. Vnder the Bishop of Trajectum, there are five townes that doe homage thereunto, Hulst, Axele, Assenede, Bochoute. Vnder the Bishop of Tournay, are Gandavum, Cortracum, Aldenarda, with their Castells: the territories of Waes, Bruges, the Franconate and the Island, with their Castells. The Atrebatensian Bishopricke doth comprehend Ducacum, and Orchianum. Vnder the Bishop of Cameracum, is the Lordship of Flanders beyond Scaldis Southward. The Tarvanensian Bishopricke hath these Castelships under it; Ypra, Cassel, Vverne, Bergen, Brouchorg, Belle. In Dutch Flanders there are 14 principall Courts, Viesburg, Gandaui, Burgus Brugis, Sala Yprae, Castellum Cortraci, Curia in Harlebeck, in Tielt, Domus in Diense, Curia in Bergen, in Bruchorg, in Cassel and in Celle. In French Flanders there are three Court Leetes, Sala in Lille, Castellum in Douay, Curia in Orchies. In the Lordship of Flanders there are five Court Leetes, Tribunal in Aelst, Dominus in Vendermonde, Praetorium Wasiae, and Castrum Beneren. All these Courts and Iurisdictions aforesaid to appeale do the Princes Provinciall Councell, which is at Gandavum, and from thence to the Parliament at Mechlin. But of this enough, I passe to Brabant.

THE EASTERNE part of FLANDERS. (Book Eastern Flanders)

BEfore I come to Brabant, I will briefly describe that which this table doth exhibite, which the Printer pleased to insert, for the benefit of the Reader. In it that part of Flanders is described, in which in our memory many worthy acts have beene atchieved, as it shall appeare by that which followes. But that we may orderly describe this Tract, in the first place wee meete with Wassia, commonly called 't Landt van Waes, which is a rich fertile territorie, having foure Townes which doe homage unto it, two whereof are walled, as Hulsta, and Axella: two unwalled, as Bouchouten and Assenetum. Hulsta, or Hulustum, is the chiefest of them, being a neate Cittie, and well fortified. It endured a grievous seige for some moneths in the yeere 1595. But at length after many assaults, and underminings, and the losse of many thousand men, it was yeelded up to the Archduke Albertus. Axela is a pretty towne, being foure miles and halfe from Hulsta, and foure from Gandavum. In the third place is Bouchouten, which is two miles distant from Axela. The fourth is Assenede which is two miles distant from the aforesayd Axela. And these foure Citties have many townes under them, as Watervliet and Bouchoute, in which two armies were sometime Billited; the states armie under the conduct of Grave Morrice in the former: in the other the King of Spaines Generall, M. Ambrosius Spinola. Moreover there are in this tract many Castells and Fortresses, which may be seene in this table, among which are those which are commonly called Philippinen, Patientie, Ysendijcke, S. Philip, S. Cateline, Coxie, and others, the chiefest whereof and the best fortified is Ysendijcke. This with the three other following Castells Duke Mauritius in the yeare 1604 enforced to surrender themselves. In the Countrie of Ysendijcka, is Birsletum or Bieruliet situate in an Island of the same name. There lived in this Cittie William Beuckelens, who they report did first pickle and barrell up salt Herrings, and did transport them to forraine parts, which was a happy invention, whereby the Low Countriemen got much wealth, in regard that forraigne Nations did greatly esteeme of salt Herrings both for use, and delicacy. It was hereto a Towne of Note, having a convenient Haven. But as all mortall things are fraile and transitorie, and subject to corruption▪ so we see that flourishing Townes doe decay, so that nothing remaines as it were but their bare Carkasses: and now it is onely a Fortresse. There followeth Sluce with the Island of Gadsanto. Sluce is a neate Towne in Dutch Flanders, which was heretofore called Lammerzuliet, as it appeareth by publicke letters: which was heretofore very rich, it is five miles from Middleburrough, and three from Bruges; where by an artificiall Aquaeduct, or great channell, all the water in the Countrie, is collected and gathered into one place, and so brought to the Citty by navigable channells: and so gathering it together againe into one pond as it were, at the Towne called Damme, they bring it from thence to the cataracts or fall thereof which they call the Sluyse: at the mouth or issue whereof, there is a famous Haven which sometime did enrich Sluce, when the Hanse-merchants dwelled there as well as at Bruges. It is able to receive an hundred shippes, as also the Annalls of Flanders doe testifie, that in the yeare 1468. a little before Christmas, there arrived in this Harbour at one time an hundred and fiftie shippes of great burthen, which was a ioyfull sight to the Townsmen. On the side of the Town there is an ancient Castell. In which the Duke of Bouillon, and the Admirall of the Seas, (the first being taken at Hisdinum, the latter at Saint •uintins Cittie,) were both kept prisoners. This Castle although it be now disjoyned from the Towne, yet it was formerly joyned thereunto, by many edifices, which the Brugians did purposely pull downe. For the Towne of Sluce wearied with their owne dissentions and their wars against the Brugians, and lastly the Prince having sold it unto them, they came to bee under their jurisdiction. Sluce is now a strong fortified Cittie, being entrenched with walls, and a double ditch. Grave Maurice, in the yeare 1604. did beseige it the Moneth of May, and 3 moneths after his coming thither hee compelled them to yeeld for want of food. Nere the Haven of Sluce on the six and twentieth of May in the yeare 1603 there was a Sea fight of 8 Galleys of Frederick Spinolacs, with three ships and eleaven Gallies belonging to the States of the confaederate Provinces, which lay at the mouth of the Haven of Sluce. In which fight the Admirall Spinola was slaine, and a thousand and 400 men were kill'd and drown'd. The Zelanders lost Iames the master of a ship, the sonne of Michael, and his Mate. There were in the Haven of Sluce 2 Block-houses, the one in the very mouth of the Haven commonly called de Hase schantse, the other is seated not farre from the Towne commonly call'd Beck-of: the former whereof was yeelded to Grave Maurice, and the latter taken by force. Over against this Cittie is a small Island which the inhabitants call Cadsant, in which there is a Towne of the same name. It was heretofore much larger, having a Cittie in •t, and many pleasant and rich townes. Neere unto which at severall times there have beene many sea fights: when either the Brittaines, the Batavians, or any other enemies to Flanders did arrive heere. But this Island is more than half worn away by the tempestuous Seas, & by the tides and ebs thereof. In this Island there are two Fortresses the one whereof Grave Maurice tooke being unprovided, the other commonly called ter Hofstede yeelded unto him. A mile hence from Sluce is Ardenburg, which was heretofore called Rodenburg, and was heretofore the Metropolis of Flanders, containing Tourout and Ostburg, and Bruges, (which were not then walled,) and all the Sea coast even to Bononia. But now it is all wasted. It hath a Church consecrated to the Virgin Mary, which is the fairest and most sumptuous in all Flanders. There is also Middleburrough, being two miles and an halfe distant from Bruges, being now walled and ditched about. Mauritius in the same yeare tooke these Townes. There is also Damme two miles from Sluce, which is a very rich Towne, being very populous, and full of Merchants, and a great Haven for wines, being a key of the Sea, in regard that it did shut and open the Ocean, both to those of Bruges, and to all Merchants. But now by the incursions of the French, and the civill dissentions of the Gandavians and Brugians, and having lost the recourse of Merchants, it is now but like a Towne or Village, and the Haven is a digged Channell, being onely navigable at a full tyde, three Flanders miles, even to Sluce. Bruges followeth, which we described before, with the Territorie of the Francones or Free-men, because they did shake off the Brugeans Yoke, and freed themselves from it: and contayneth all that ground which lyeth eight miles round about Bruges, and is commonly called 't Landt Vanden Vryen; it hath jurisdiction over many free Townes. And these doe make the fourth member of Flanders. Lastly this Table containeth Ostend, which was formerly a poore fisher Towne, wanting munition, but in the yeere 1572 it was walled about. It hath a convenient Haven. There came hither eight great Whales in the yeare 1404, every one of them being 4 foote long. Also in the yeare 1426, there was a great Sea Hogge taken, being like unto a Land-Hogge but that it was greater. But in the yeare 1099. and in the yeare 1200, in the Archduke Alberts time, the Flandrians to restraine the incursions of the enimie, did ditch it round about, and yet they could not hinder their inroades, although it were entrenched with 17 Baracadoes and Bulwarkes, as the Bulwark or Fort of S. Catherine, of Isabell, of Albert, of Clara; wherfore the Flandrians were very desirous to beseige this Cittie, which they attempted on the 5 of Iuly the yere 1601. The beginning of the seige was very terrible, and continued so to the end thereof, as it is well knowne; yea it was such a long and grievous seige, as there was never the like in the memory of man, so that during the time of this seige, there were slaine on both sides about 110000 men. There was a Table book found about a certaine commissary of Spaine being dead, in which the number of men that were slaine, were set downe, and the number of women and children by themselves: of which this was the totall summe: Tribunes or Praefects of the Souldiers, commonly called Marshalls of the field 9. of Colonells 15. of Sergeants 29. Captaines 165. Ancients 322. Lieutenants 200 and 1, masters of the Horse 101. Common-souldier 54663. Mariners 611, children and Women 119. The totall summe of all was •2126. It would be tedious to mention all their trenches and Fortresses, all their engines and warlike Instruments, and other matters. Moreover, there was a battaile fought betweene Ostend and Newport, on the second of Iuly in the yeere 1600, between the Archduke Albert, and Grave Maurice, in which there were slaine on both sides seaven thousand foote and horsemen. The battell continued doubtfull for three houres together. But at length Grave Maurice got the victory, and overthrew the Spaniard. The Archduke Albert lost in that fight 6000 men; there were taken besides a great number of common Souldiers, the Admirall of Arragon, and with him many of the Nobles, and there were 105 Banners taken from the enemies foote troopes, and foure from his horse troupes. Yet it was a bloody victory to Grave Maurice, for there were a thousand slaine on his side. A mile distant from Ostend is Aldenburg. It hath onely one gate, being an auncient Cittie, and heretofore a famous Mart towne. The other matters which are contained in this table are unfolded in the next description. And therefore I passe to Brabant.

1685. Geographia universalis: the present state of the whole world by Pierre Duval.

The Provinces of the Spanish-Netherlands.

THese Provinces are called Catholick, because the Roman-Catholick Religion only is exercised therein. They have often the Name of Flanders given them, which is the most Beautiful, the Richest, and most Populous part of 'em: Those People have been called Walloons, who border upon France. The Provinces which these People Inhabit, being, at present, possess'd by the most Christian King, the French call 'em the New-Conquests. Amongst the Catholick Provinces, there are four Frontiers of France; the Counties of Flanders, Artois, Hainault, the Dutchy of Luxembourg: Five within the Lands, the Dutchy of Brabant, the Marquisate of the Holy-Empire round about Antwerp, the Barony of Mechelen, the County of Namur, the Dutchy of Limbourg: There is also the Bishoprick of Liege, which is of the Empire, and Cambresis. The French King, and the King of Spain, are, at present, Masters of these Provinces, for the preservation of which, the Spaniards have employ'd a good part of the Gold and Silver of their Indies: The Hollanders possess also some Towns in 'em.

The County of Flanders is so full of People, that we may say, it is but one City, and the finest County of Christendom. Its Coast has Downs of Sand, which cover the rich Plains. Formerly Flanders was divided into Gallican, Flemming, and Imperial; now into three parts, one French, one Spanish, and the other Holland, which is of small extent. The principal Towns of all the Country, are Gaunt, Bruges, Ypres, Lille; the two former belonging to Spain, and the two others possess'd by France, as well as Tournay, Doway, and Dunkirk Gaunt is one of the greatest Cities of Europe; tho' it has several Rivers, which still maintain its Commerce, it has not now the thirty five thousand Houses, which it had when it was able to have put fourscore thousand Men in Arms. The French King, who had possess'd himself of it, was oblig'd to restore it, in consideration of the Peace. The Spaniards, who saw the Chanel of this Town stopp'd up, by the taking of Sluce, have made there a new one, which can receive stopp'd Ships, after they are come to Ostend, a Town whose Port could not be stopt up, when when it was the stage of War, and that it sustain'd a Siege of above three Years together. Ypres has several Chanels and Conduits of Water under Earth. Lille is one of the best of the Low Countries, both for its Commerce and its Riches. In the Year 1667. the French King made it his Principal Conquest; since which, he has caus'd a strong Cittadel to be made in it. All the other Places of Flanders are generally considerable, either for their Beauty, or their Fortresses, or the Sieges and Battels. Tournay is very ancient, beautiful, spacious, strong, rich, and populous. It is the first City of the Low Countries, which in the Year 1667. submitted to the French Monarch. His Majesty establish'd a Parliament there, and caused a Cittadel to be made. It is observ'd of Tournay, that it was taken four several times, on the very day of St. Andrew: 1. By Henry the Seventh, King of England. 2. By the Emperour Maximilian. 3. By the Emperour Charles the Fifth: And 4. By the Duke of Parma. Doway, upon the Scharp on the Confines of Artois and Haynault, is meanly fortified. The Church of Our Lady is there twelve hundred Years old. There is a Staple of Corn, an University, and lately Navigation, by sailing up the Scharp as far as Arras. Dunkrk, a very trading Town by reason of its Haven, is one of the most considerable Possessions of France. Graveling is an extraordinary strong place. Furnes was the abode of the French King, Lewis the Eleventh, during his retreat to the Duke of Burgundy.

Artois, now reunited to the Crown of France, from which, the French say, it was dismembred, is a Province extraordinary fertile in Corn. Arras, its Metropolis, is compos'd of a high and low Town, both well fortified. Hesdin is a regular Hexagone, and its River has been lately rendred Navigable, as far as Montreuil. Bapaume is an advantagious situation. Lens is known for the Victory of the French, in the Year 1648. Bethune for its good Cheeses; Terouenne for its Ruins. St. Omar is environ'd with Marshes, where are floating Islands. Aire is important for the Navigation of the Lys.

Hainault, according to the Archives of the Province, owns none but God and the Sun for ruling Lords. Nevertheless it has two other Masters, the Kings of France and Spain. Mons, the capital City, defended by three good Ditches, has a Soveraign Council independent of that of the Parliament of Mechelin; It has also Chanoinesses, who make proof of Nobility of Eight Races, and who have the liberty to Marry. Valenciennes is large, sumptuous, well fortified upon the Scheld: It was taken by force, in the Year 1677. by the French King's Army, commanded in person by that Prince. Quesnoy, Landrecy, Avesne, Philippeville, Mariembourg, Conde, Bouchain, are strong places, in the hands of the French King.

Luxembourg has its capital City of the same Name. Thionville, Montmedi, Damvilliers, are possess'd by the French. Some Lands there are, in the Forest of Ardennes, belonging to the Bishoprick of Liege; Bouillon, with the Title of a Dutchy, and a strong Castle upon the Rock St. Hubert, where the Hunters have a peculiar Devotion; Rochefort, which saw the Battel of Avein, in the Year 1675. between the Spaniards and French. By the Peace of Nimmeghen, the Dutchy of Bouillon was restor'd to France, who has put the Prince of that Name into possesion of it.

Brabant, which is about the midst of the Low Countries, has four Cities, the Capitals of as many Quarters; Bruxels, Louvain, Breda, Boisleduc. Bruxels is very populous, the abode of a Prince or Governour, whose Palace is very spacious: Its Chanel, which leads to Antwerp, is one of the finest Works of the Country, with prodigious Sluces which have cost immens Sums. As well as at Avignon, some of its Publick Edifices are to the number of seven. The Church of St. Gudule, is one of the finest of the Country.

The Neighbourhood of the Forest of Soignes furnishes its Inhabitants with Game for hunting. Louvain, which some make to pass for the Capital of Brabant, is one of the greatest Cities of Europe, with a famous University, which gives occasion to the By-word, That it is a City of Scholars, as Bruxels is a City of Courtiers, Antwerp a City of Merchants, Mechelin a City of Advocates and Lawyers, by reason of its Parliament. Tillemont was taken by force, in the Year 1655. by the French and Hollanders. Breda belongs to the Prince of Orange, and Hertoghen-Bosch, or Bois-le-Duc, to the States General of the Ʋnited Provinces, as do also Berghen-op-Zoom, and the Grave. All these Places are well fortified; Bois-le-Duc is so extraordinary strong, by reason of its Marshes, that it pass'd for Impregnable, before it was taken; upon which account, they were us'd to say in Holland out of Raillery; I will pay you, when Bois-le-Duc is became a Beggar; that is to say, never. The Brabanzon pretends the Priviledge of deliberating nothing out of the Limits of their Country.

The Marquisate of the Holy Empire has this Name from its Site, upon the ancient bounds of France and the Empire; whither the Emperour sent Governours, who were call'd Marquesses. There is only the City of Antwerp, one of the best and most pleasant of the Netherlands; the Emperour, Charles the Fifth, call'd it his Sunday, or Holy-day Town: the importance of its Situation has occasioned the making sumptuous Fortifications, which consist of ten great Bastions, and one of the strongest Cittadels of Europe, flank'd with five regular Bastions, fac'd with Brick and hewed Stones. This Cittadel was built towards the higher part of the River, rather than towards the lower, that it might command the Town, and receive Succours from the Country subject to its Prince: the Duke of Alva, who had made it, plac'd his Statue therein, which has since been taken away. The Jesuits in Antwerp have a Church all of Marble, look'd upon as one of the finest in the World. Formerly above two hundred thousand persons were reckoned in this Town, and about two thousand five hundred Ships upon the Scheld: But the Inhabitants of this place do not now drive that great Trade they did, since the Hollanders have seiz'd upon the Avenues of their River.

The City of Mechelin is the Residence of the States, or Parliament of the Catholick Provinces of the King of Spain. Its Barony is very small; the Women of Mechlin, being ready to lye in, are said to cause themselves to be carried upon the Lands of Brabant, that so their Children may enjoy the Priviledge of the Brabantins.

Namur is a Town of importance, by reason of its passage over the Meuse, at the place where it receives the Sambre: from hence they transport Marble, Ardoise, Pit-Coal. Charle-Roy, upon the Sambre, is one of the best Fortresses in the Netherlands.

Limbourg has only the Town of the same Name which is in any consideration, with a strong Castle upon a Rock. The French King made the Conquest of it in the Year 1675. but was bound to restore it to the King of Spain, by the Peace of Nimmeghen.

The Bishoprick of Liege owes subjection to its Bishop, as well in Spirituals as Temporals: the Inhabitants gave it formerly the Name of Grace. He is Elected by the Chapter; his Residence was formerly at Tongres and Mastricht. This Country is of a great Extent, with several places lying within the Marches of the neighbouring Provinces. Liege is a trading Town, and, as they say, the Paradise of the Ecclesiasticks. It was observ'd, in the Year 1131. that there were, amongst the Canons of its Cathedral Church, nine Sons of Kings, fourteen Sons of Dukes, nine and twenty Sons of Counts, and seven Sons of Barons. 'Tis very populous, notwithstanding it was ruin'd by the last Duke of Burgundy. When the ancient Priviledges subsisted there, it had thirty two Trades, and a Body of two and twenty Burgesses, composed of Ecclesiasticks, of Nobles, and of the third Estate, or Commonalty; these twenty two were call'd most Honoured Lords, and had the principal direction of Affairs. The Elector of Cologn, its Prince, caus'd a Cittadel to be built here, which was demolish'd by the French, in the time of the late Wars. The Town of Spa is known to us for its Medicinal Water; Mastricht for its Fortifications, and for the famous Sieges it has sustain'd. It is made up of two Towns; Mastricht, reckoned to belong to the Duke of Brabant; Wick, of the Appurtenances to the Bishoprick of Liege. The Peace of Nimmeghen has resetled the Hollanders in possession of Mastricht.

Cambresis is near France. The City of Cambray has a good Cittadel, the guard whereof was only confided to natural Spaniards, when their King was Master thereof. It has a Clock singularly wrought by the hand of a Shepherd, and furnishes extraordinary fine Linnen, or Cambrick. Since the Year 1595. the Kings of Spain have attributed to themselves the Tempoporal Jurisdiction of Cambray; the Emperours did not contradict them in this matter, because they are of the same Family, and the Arch-bishops had, to no purpose, solicited the re-establishment of their Right: those Prelates style themselves Arch bishops and Dukes of Cambray, Counts of Cambresis, Princes of the Holy Empire, tho' commonly they have neither Session nor Voice in the Diets. In the Year 1677. the French King, commanding his Army in person, made himself Master of the Town and Cittadel of Cambray, which were confirm'd to him by the Peace of Nimmeghen.

1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child.

The County or Earldom of FLANDERS, properly so called, or Vlaenderen in Flemish, Comitatus Flandriae.

THIS is the first and most considerable County or Earldom of the Low Countries, and takes its Name from Flandrina the Wife of Liderick II. Prince of Buc, and Grand Forester of Flanders, who govern'd it according to the Orders of the Emperors Charlemagne and Lewis the Debonnaire. Others derive it from that of F•ambert, the Nephew of Clodion King of France who, having married Belisinda, the Daughter of Go•duerus King of the Ruthenians, expelled the Romans out of Gallia Belgica. This Province is bounded on the North by the German Ocean, and the Mouth of the River Scheld, call'd the Hont, by which it is separted from Zeeland; on the South by Artois and Hainauit, on the East by part of Hainault and Brabant, and on the West by the Ocean and part of Art•is. It is extended from North to South for the space of about 60 miles, and 75 from East to West, which must be understood of its largest Dimensions. It is a very fruitful Country, especially that part towards the Sea, which is excellent Pasturage for the great number of Horse bought up in the neighbouring Countries and fed here. The rest of the Country affords store of Corn and Fruit. Within its Bounds are comprehended 28 or 30 walled Towns: Many others, very remarkable, and 1154 Villages, besides 48 Abbies and a vast number of Priories, Colleges and Monasteries; insomuch that the Spanish Noblemen, who accompanied Philip II. when he took a Progress into these Regions, declar'd, That Flanders was only one continued City. Here are included 5 Vicounties, which are Gaunt, Ypres, Furnes, Winoxberg and Haerlebeck; 3 Principalities, namely those of Steenheusen, Gaure and Espincy; 5 Ports, formerly very considerable, viz. Graveling, Dunkirk. Newport, Ostend and Sluce; and 32 Castellanies. The whole Province is commonly divided into 3 Parts 2 1. Flanders Flemish, where the Vulgar Language of the Country is spoken, and is stretched forth from the Northern Sea to the River Lys: 2. Gallican, where the French Tongue is chiefly predominant, lying to the South of the Flemish, and to the North of Cambr•sis, having the Scheld to the East and the Lys to the West. 3. Imperial Flanders, situated between the Scheld to the Dender, comprehending the County of Alost, together with a few Offices or Districts, which were heretofore possessed by the Emperor. There is also another Division of the same Territories, viz. into Flanders Teutonick, Walloon, Imperial and Dutch: The first of these is extended between the Sea and the River Lys: The second betwixt the Lys and the Scheld: The third between the two others: And the fourth to the North of the two former. But at present the County of Flanders is divided, with respect only to the Soveraign Princes who are possessors thereof; so that it is usually distinguish'd into the French, Spanish and Dutch Quarters, according to the ensuing Table.

French Flanders, wherein are compriz'd these Towns, &c.

• Lisle, Cap.
• Ypres, Bish.
• Tournay, Bish.
• Dunkirk Port.
• ...Graveling,
• ...Berg S. Vinoc,
• ...Courtray,
• ...Douay,
• ...Furnes,
• ...Mont-Cassel,
• ...Orchiers,
• ...Bailleul,
• ...Roulers.
• ...Armentiers,
• ...la Basse,
• ...l' Ecluse,
• ...S. Amand,
• ...Lannoy,
• ...Warneston,
• ...Comines.
• ...Warwick,
• ...Menin,
• ...Estayre,
• ...Poperingue,
• ...Bourbourg,
• ...Mardyck.

Spanish Flanders, in which are these Towns, &c.

• Gaunt, Bish. Cap.
• Bruges, Bish.
• Ostend, Port.
• Newport, Port.
• ...Oudenard.
• ...Alost.
• ...Ninove,
• ...Damme,
• ...Dixmuyde.
• ...Deynse,
• ...Gramont,
• ...Rupelmond.

Dutch Flanders,

• Sluys, Port.
• ...Oestburg,
• ...Hulst,
• ...Axel,
• ...Ardenburg,
• ...Biervliet,
• ...Ysendick,
• ...Sas van Gand,
• ...Cassandra,
• ...Philippine,
• ...Terneuse,
• ...Middleburg,
• ...Bomhouse,
• ...Doel.

FRENCH FLANDERS.

L'ISLE or RYSSEL Insula & Lila, so call'd by reason of its situation amidst divers Marshes, which have been drained by the Industry of the Inhabitants, is seated on the River Deulle, at the distance of 25 miles from Arras to the South, 30 from Newport to the South-west, 12 from Tournay to the West, 16 from Douay to the North, and 12 from the Confines of Artois. Baldwin IV. call'd the Bearded, Earl of Flanders, founded this City, A. D. 1007. and his Successor, Baldwin V. surnam'd of Lisle, caused it to be encompass'd with Walls. It hath been often taken and sack'd during the Wars of the Low Countries, but is at present extreamly well Fortified according to the modern Method, and hath a Citadel flanked with 5 Royal Bastions, besides many Half-moons and other Out-works raised for its Defence; the Ditches are also double and filled with the Waters of the Deulle. It is a large City and very considerable on account of its Trade, which consists chiefly in Silk Manufactures, and for the conveniency of transporting their Goods, a Canal is cut to the River Lys; and it is the usual place of Residence of the Governor of French Flanders. It was taken by the Army of the present French King, Lewis XIV. in the Year 1667. and hath ever since remain'd in his Possession, having been resign'd to him by the Peace of Aix la Chappelle, A. D. 1668.

Tournay or Dornick, Tornacum, the Capital City of a small Country in Gallican Flanders, call'd Tou•naisis, is seated in the midst of pleasant and fruitful Meadows, on the Banks of the Scheld, at the distance of 30 miles from Cam•ray to the North, 30 from Gaunt to the South, and 11 from Lisle to the East, lying almost in the midst between Douay and Oudenard, as also between Valenciennes and Courtray. It is a very considerable City, being large, well-built, a place of good Trade, and very populous. It is divided into 10 Parishes, the Churches whereof are stately, and the Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary, magnificent. The Buildings in general are very handsom; and here are reckon'd 72 Companies of Traders. It is an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Cambray, and is well Fortified with Walls, Ditches and regular Out-works, besides the Castle which was built by our King Henry VIII. by whom this City was taken; but restored to the French upon Conditions, A. D. 1518. Afterward the Emperor Charles V. dispossess'd them in 1521. But the present French King regain'd it from the Spaniards in 1667; and it was granted to him by the Treaty of Aix la Chappelle.

Ipres, or Ypres, Iprae, hath its name from the small River Yperlee, on which it stands, at the distance of 23 miles from Lisle to the Northwest, and is a rich well-traded City, the Capital of a Territory of large extent, call'd the Castellany of Ipres, which is a very fertil Country. The Trade consists in Says, wrought Silks, &c. Several Fairs are held here, especially one in Lent, which is very profitable to the Inhabitants. The Buildings are fair and good, but the Fronts of the Houses are of Timber. The publick Bu•ldings are the Cathedral dedicated to S. Martin, several other Churches, many Convents, a large Hall or Repository for the Wool, and the Market-place very spacious and handsom. This City is an Episcopal See under the Archbishop of Malines. is honour'd with the Title of a Vicountry, and is reckon'd the third of the four that constitute the third Estate of Flanders. It was taken by the French in 1678. and yielded to them at the Treaty of Nimeguen.

Courtray, or Cortryck, Corteriacum, Cortracum, is a very good well-traded Town, seated on the River Lys, 14 miles North from Lisle, and as many East from Ypres. The Inhabitants are excellent Artists in Diapering of Linnen: It was several times taken by the French and Spaniards before 1667. when the French finally took it, and had it granted to them at the Treaty of Aix la Chappelle. It hath a strong Citadel and other Fortifications, which have been much improv'd by the French, and is at present a place of great Importance.

Menene is a small Town upon the Lys also, about 5 or 6 above Courtray, with a Ditch and other Fortifications to resist a sudden Surprize.

Armentiers stands also upon the Lys, 12 miles above Menene, and 8 from Lisle to the West: It is a Town of good Trade and considerable Strength; notwithstanding which, it hath been often taken and re-taken, and is at present in the hands of the French, having been granted to them at the Treaty of Aix la Chappelle.

Warwyck, Warneton, and Commene, the Birth-place of the famous Philip de Comines, are all three seated upon the Lys, between Menene and Armentiers, and all subject to the French.

Orchies an ancient tho' small Town, is situated 12 miles South-east from Lisle, 10 from Tournay to the South-west, and as many from Douay to the North-east, and water'd with a small Rivulet, which 5 miles below falls into the Scarpe.

S. Amand, formerly a place of good Strength, but now disman•l'd by the French, is seated on the River Scarpe, 7 or 8 miles from Orchies to the East, and 10 from Tournay to the South. It is noted for a famous Abby in it, dedicated to the Saint that gives name to the Town, and formerly for a fine Forest adjoining, of the same name also, which was cut down in 1676, by order of the French King.

Doway, Duacum, is seated also on the Scarpe, on the Frontiers of Artois, 16 miles from S. Amand to the East, and as many from Lille to South. It is a very considerable Town, on account of its large Extent, Trade and Strength. Its chief Trade is in making and vending Worsted Camlets, which are brought by all the neighbouring People, especially at the Annual Fair in September. Here is a famous Seminary for English Roman Catholicks, first Founded in 1569 by Philip II. Afterwards removed to Rheims in France, but stayed there only 20 years, in which time they Publish'd an English Version of the Bible. The French Took this Town in 1667, and have ever since possess'd it. It is well Fortified, and hath, a Fort upon the Scarpe a Canon-shot below the Town which is situated among Marshes, and by Sluces can drown the Country all round.

These are all the places of any Note in the East part of French Flanders. The most considerable of the West part are, Winoxberg, Cassel, Furnes Graveling, Mardyke and Dunkirk.

Winoxbergen, or Berg Saint Winox, Berga, or Mons Sancti Wincci, is seated about 18 miles West from Ypres, and 14 East from Graveling, as also 8 or 9 from Dunkirk to the South; it is the Capital of a Castellany, or large Territory, which is very Fruitful and feeds great Herds of Cattle. The Town hath its name from a Monastery erected on a Hill, in Honour of S. Winox an English-man. Woollen Cloth is made here, but its Trade was formerly much more considerable than at present.

Cassel, or Mont Cassel, Castellum, and Castellum Morinorum stands upon the top of a high Hill, at the distance of 10 or 11 miles South from Winoxberg, and 15 West from Ypres: It is an ancient Town, and hath a considerable Jurisdiction, Sub-ordinate to that of Ypres. It was formerly a place of good Strength, but having been several times Taken and almost Ruin'd, it is now not considerable. The French took it in 1677, and have •ver since held it. Near this place in the year 1677, was fought a very bloody Battle, between the Dutch Army commanded by the Prince of Orange, and the French, commanded by the Duke of Orleans, wherein the latter obtained the Victory.

Furnes, or Vuerne, Vurna, is a neat pleasant Town seated within two Leagues of the Sea, at the distance of about 10 miles from Dunkirk to the East, and 5 from Newport to the West, 20 from Cassel to the North, and about 10 from Winoxberg to the South-east. This Town hath a Territory call'd an Ambacht belonging to it, which is exceeding Fertil. It is dignified with the Title of a Vicounty, and is a place of Trade, which consists in Linnen Manufactures, &c. It was taken by the French in 1667, and granted to them by the Peace of Aix la Chapelle, and since better Fortified, in the year 1692. Our English Forces took it, but the next Winter the French re-gain'd it.

Graveling, or Graveline, Gravelinga and Gravelina, is one of the Sea-ports of Flanders, and seated at the mouth of the River Aa, which parts France from Flanders, in the mid-way between Calais and Dunkirk, 16 miles North-west from Cassel, and 12 West from W••••berg. This being a Frontier of Flanders from Fr•nc•, was Fortified by Charles V. in 1528, and is at present very strong, as well by reason of its situation among low Grounds and D•kes, as by the strong and regular Out-works built all round it. It is but a small Town, ill Built, and thinly Inhabited, and at present subject to the French, being taken by them in 1658, and yielded up at the Pyrenean Treaty.

Between Graveling and Dunkirk, about 4 miles from the latter stands what is left of the Fort of Mardyke, formerly a very strong place, but in the year 1645 dismantled, and in 1652 quite Destroyed; so that there remains now only a small woodden Fort, with some few Guns on it.

Dunkirk, Dunquerca, is situated on the Shoar of the German Ocean, at the distance only of 20 miles from Calais, and 12 from Graveling to the East, 15 from New-port, and 28 from Ostend to the West, 35 from Tournay to the North-east, 34 from Bruges to the North-west. It takes its name from the Sand-Hils, call'd in Flemish Duynen, that are ranged along the Sea-coasts, and on which a large Church term'd Kirk by those People, is erected; the high Tower thereof appearing very far off to the Mariners as they sail on the Downs. It is a good large Town well-built, with neat large Streets, and very Populous: It is one of the five Ports of Flanders, and was therefore a place of good Trade in the flourishing time of this Country: Afterwards in the War-time it became a retreat of Pirats and Robbers, who infested the Seas, and very much disturbed Trade. The Emperor Charles V. first Fortified it, which the French Demolish'd when they Took and Sack'd the Town in 1558. The Spaniards Re-took it 1581, and here a great part of the Fleet design'd to Invade England in 1588, was Equipp'd by the Prince of Parma, but by the Vigilance of the Dutch Fleet which lay before the Harbour, were kept in and could not join the rest of their Fleet; which much facilitated their Overthrow. It was afterwards taken and re-taken by the French and Spaniard, before 1658, when it was finally Taken by the joint Forces of England and France, and put into the hands of the English, in whose Possession it remain'd till 1662, when it was deliver'd to the French by (Charles II. upon certain conditions to us unknown) who have ever since held it, and have very much improv'd it, by enlarging the Town, and Building exceeding strong Fortifications, &c. wherein they have bestowed prodigious Expence, having besides the building strong Walls and Ravelins, Half-moons and Counterscarps, and a Citadel regularly Fortified: I say, besides these, the French King hath dug a large Basin within the Town, capable of receiving 150 Ships of Burden, and cut a Canal through the Splinter-sands out into the Sea, which is secur'd by a Mole or Gallery on each side, that are carried out into the Sea a mile in length, on which are Forts with Cannon planted on them, and on one side a strong Fort, call'd the Rice-bank, well secur'd with an hundred Pieces of Cannon that command the Port; a Work of vast Labour, Art and Expence, by which he intended to make it a Port for his Ships of War, but was disappointed of his design, for the Sands do so choak up the Harbour, notwithstanding the Mole, that with all the advantage of the highest Tides, they cannot bring in a Ship of 70 Guns, without Unlading her.

Spanish FLANDERS.

GAƲNT or GHENT, Gande, Gandavum, is water'd with divers Rivers and Chanels, which divide the Town and the adjacent Country into many Islands, being seated almost at an equal distance of 30 miles North from Tournay, East from Ostend, South from Middleburg, and West from Malines, as also 26 from Antwerp, and 28 from Brussels. It is the Capital City of the Province of Flanders, and one of the largest Cities of Europe, being 9 or 10 miles in compass, but then Corn-fields and Meadows are included within the Walls. It was built (as it is reported) by Julius Caesar, in a place extreamly advantagious for Traffick, on the account of its Situation at the confluence of four large Rivers, viz. of the Scheld, which flows hither from the Province of Hainault, the Lys, which runs from that of Artois, the Lien, which proceeds from the Port of Sluce, and the Moere, which took its rise near the sour Offices, call'd Ambactes. Within the precincts of Gaunt are included 26 small Isles, form'd bp the Waters of the Canals and Rivers, and as many large Bridges, under which pass Barks of good Burden, and a great number of smaller Bridges. The Churches, which are seven in number, are fair and well-built; the Cathedral especially is very stately, and has a Tower of 400 Steps high. The Castle or Prince's Palace, is said to contain 300 Chambers, in one of which the Emperor Charles V. was Born. The other publick Buildings are, the Town-house, a high Tower call'd Belfort, (in which hangs a great Bell, call'd Roland, that weighs 11000 pound weight, many Monasteries and several Hospitals. The private Houses are fair and well-built, and the Streets clean and neat. This City hath a good Trade in Cloaths, Stuffs and wrought Silks made here in great quantities. It is much resorted to from the neighbouring Places on account of the Provincial Council of Flanders, which was establish'd by John Duke of Burgundy, A. D. 1409, and still held in this City. It is also ad Episcopal Sea subject to the Metropolitan of Mecklin, and is fortified w•th a Citadel built in 1540, by the Emperor Charles V. a Counterscarp, deep Ditches, Ramparts, and many other Out-works. However, the French King Lewis XIV. took it after a Siege of 9 days, on the 9th. of March, 1678, but was oblig'd to restore it to the Spaniards at the Peace of Nimeguen.

OOSTEN

At the distance of 4 leagues from hence to the North stands a strong Fortress, call'd by the Inhabitants, 'tzas van Ghendt. It was erected by the Spaniards, and taken by the Hollanders, A. D. 1644. by whom it hath been strongly fortified, and made almost impregnable. Between Gaunt and Bruges there is a Canal which was cut at great Expence by the Marquis Spinola, when he was Governour of the Netherlands, for conveying Goods and Passengers to and from each City; and is call'd by the Inhabitants De niewen Vaert, and by Strangers The Canal of Bruges.

BRƲGES, Brugae, so call'd from the multitude of its Bridges, is seated on the Canal of Reye, which is here divided into many navigable Rivulets, running through divers quarters of the Town, and afterward re-uniting in the same Canal that passeth as far as Sluce. But because that Port is in the Hands of the Hollanders, about 40 years ago the Inhabitants made another, which flows to Ostend, and is so deep that Ships of two or three hundred Tuns are brought up to Bruges, which thereby maintains a very good Traffick, but small in comparison of what it hath been: For, before the Wars in Flanders, it was the greatest Mart in Europe; Merchants from all Parts resided here, and had Magazines for the Goods of every Country, which were here Barter'd and Sold; of these Merchants there were no less than 17 Companies, all which remov'd to Antwerp about the year, 1500. by reason of the Wars and Disturbances hereabouts, except the English, who, upon the loss of Calis, remov'd the Staple for Wool hither in 1558. where it remain'd for a long time to the great Advantage of the Town. Bruges is esteem'd the second City of Flanders; it is large, well-built, and reasonably populous: The Form of it is round, and the Circumference about 4 miles; there are six principal Streets, which 〈…〉 enter Gates, and center at the Market-place. The publick Buildings are sumptuous, the Houses neat, and the Streets stra•• and large. Their Trade consists in Spanish Wool, and the Manufactures of the Town, Fustians and other Stuffs, Cloth, Tapistry, &c. This City is an Episcopal See, under the Archbishop of Malines: The Cathedral is dedicated to S. Donat, besides which there are seven Parish, and two Collegiate Churches, three principal Abbies, and a great number of Religious Houses. The other publick Buildings are, the Castle, the Town-house, and the Water-house of very ingenious Structure. Bruges stands in the North part of Flanders, at the distance of 10 miles from the Sea, somewhat more from Ostend to the East, and as many from Sluce to the South-west, as also 20 from Gaunt to the North-east.

Oostende is a small Town, and one of the five Ports of Flanders; it is situate about 10 miles West from Bruges, 9 from Newport to the North, and at the mouth of the small River Guele, in the midst of a moorish Ground, and divers Channels and Dikes: It was at first only a small Village, but by reason of its convenient situation, it was wall'd round and fortified; by the Strength whereof and the advantagious Situation, the Hollanders, with the assistance of an English Garrison, sustain'd a Siege three Years and three Months, viz. from the 5th day of July, A. D. 1601, to the 22d of September, 1604. when it was taken by Ambrosio Spinola, and surrender'd to Albert Arch-Duke of Austria. The Spaniards lost 78124 Soldiers of their Army, and in counting the Officers, together with those that were slain in the Town, the number slain in this Siege is suppos'd to amount to 15000 Men. Since when, it hath been possest by the Spaniard, and is at present exactly and regularly fortified, and one of the strongest Places in the Netherlands. The Houses are well built, handsom and uniform, and the Streets clean and neat. The Haven is safe, large, well defended by Forts, and deep enough to receive Ships of great Burden.

Newport, Novus Portus, heretofore call'd Sandhoft, that is to say, the Head of the Sands, hath in like manner a safe Harbour, altho' scarcely capable, even at the high Tides, of receiving Vessels of any great Burden: It is seated near the Mouth of the River Yperlee, which falling into the Sea, makes a long and secure Haven, at the distance of 15 miles from Dunkirk to the East, 9 from Oostend to the West, 18 from Ypres to the North, and 38 from Gaunt to the West. It is a place of good Strength, being well fortified with Walls and several Forts. The Buildings are neat, but low and of Timber: The Inhabitants are maintained by Fishing. From hence the English Pacquet Boat goes weekly to Dover. This Town being invested by the Hollanders in the year, 1600. under the Command of Maurice Prince of Orange, assisted by some English Troops commanded by Sir Francis Vere, the Arch-duke Albert of Austria, then Governour of the Netherlands, came to its Relief with a great Army; whence ensued a notable Battle, fought on the adjoining Sand-hills, wherein Prince Maurice obtained a very signal Victory, and the Archduke was oblig'd to escape by Flight: In which Action the English bore the greatest part.

[illustration] map of Newport

NEWPORT With the Haven and Country about it

Oudenard, Aldenarda, is seated on the River Scheld, which divides it into two parts: It is a place of good Wealth by means of the Trade, especially in its own Manufactures, Tapestry and Fine Linnen. It is the Capital of a Castellany, which contains 33 Villages, and a place of good Strength, being fortified with a Castle call'd Pamele, join'd to the Town by a Bridge over the River, strong Walls and regular Outwarks but is commanded by a high Hill on the side towards Alost, which takes away from its otherwise advantagious situation. In 1484. this Town was taken by Stratagem by Philip of Cleeves Lord of Ravestein; surpriz'd by Blommart in 1567. besieg'd and taken by the Prince of Parma in 1582. and by the French in 1658. but being restored to the Spaniards by the Pyrenean Treaty, they again took it in 1667. and had it yielded to them at the Peace of Aix la Chapelle: But they were oblig'd to restore it by the Treaty of Nimeguen, and hath ever since been in the Hands of the Spaniard. It stands 13 miles from Ghent to the South, 17 from Tournay to the North, and 14 from Courtray to the East.

Alost or Aelst is seated on the River Dender near the Confines of Hainault, 13 miles from Ghent to the South-east, as many from Oudenard to the East, and makes almost an exact Triangle, with those 2 places. It is reckon'd the Capital of Imperial Flanders, and of a County formerly subject to its own Lords. It was taken by the Spaniards in 1576. and by the Duke of Anjou in 1582. after which, it came into the Hands of the English, who sold it to the Duke of Parma. In 1667. the French took it, and destroy'd its Fortifications before they restor'd it.

The Territories of this Town are large, being besides the County of Alost, the County of Waes and the four Offices of Hulse, Axtel, Bouchout and Astemede, which comprehend above 150 Villages and four Cities.

OUDENARDE

Dendermond, seated on the River Dender, where it falls into the Schelde (whence the Town hath its name) 6 or 7 miles North from Alost, and 12 East from Ghent, is a good Town, and considerable for its Manufacture of Fustians and other Stuffs. It is fortified, and was strong enough to resist the Assaults of the French in 1667.

Ninove is seated in the Territory of Alost, at the distance of about 8 miles from it to the South, and 12 from Oudenard to the East. It is a small Town, and not considerable.

Deynse is seated on the Lys, 8 miles from Ghent to the South-west, and 12 from Oudenard to the South; it is but a small Town, however the Capital of a small Territory in the Castellany of Courtray, and subject to the Spaniard: As is also

Harlebee near Courtray, a small Town, and the Capital of another small Territory.

Dixmude or Dixmuyde, is seated on the River Yperlee, 20 miles North-west from Courtray, and 10 South-east from Newport; it is a place of some Trade, and hath an Annual Fair in July. It is but small and not very well fortified. Our English Forces took possession of it in 1692. but the French took it soon after, and have since quitted it.

DUTCH FLANDERS.

SLƲYS or SLƲCE, Sluys, Clausula, another of the Ports of Flanders, is seated in the North part of this Province, about 9 or 10 miles beyond Bruges, 16 from Middleburg in Zeeland to the South, 18 from Ostend to the North-east, and 20 from Gaunt to the West: It belongs to the States of Holland, and is one of their strongest Frontiers. It hath the largest Haven of all the five, being capable of receiving 500 Ships of Burthen at a time, and was once a place of great Trade and Wealth. This Town having been first as Bruges and Antwerp were, the chief Mart of these Countries at present, it is but poor, and thinly inhabited, but extreamly well fortified, and hath a good Garrison.

Oostburg and Ysendrick, small Towns near Sluys, are both guarded by small Forts.

Philippine is a pretty strong Fort, seated about 15 miles East from Sluys, and 5 or 6 North from the Sas uan Gaunt.

Axel, the Capital of one of the four Offices, is seated about 6 miles East from Philippine, and 12 North from Ghent. It was surpriz'd by Prince Maurice, assisted by our Sir Philip Sydney, in 1586. and is a place of good Strength.

Hulst, the Capital of another of the Offices, stands about 6 miles East from Axel, and in the midst of the Country of Waes. It is a place of good Trade, and tolerably well fortified.

These Towns, together with the Hont or Wester, Schelde, and an Arm of the Sea, make a secure Frontier to Zeeland.