11th July

Nickie · Post by **Nickie** » Mon July 11th, 2011, 9:59 am

In years past, July 11th meant something for Flanders. It was the day the common folk, under the leadership of butchers Jan Breydel and Willem de Koninck fought against the French army and won! This battle was called the Battle of the Golden Spurs (De Guldensporen Slag).
Now July is the national holiday for Flanders (soon to be an independent country?).
Of course, some nobles fought along. One of them was Robert of Bethune (Robrecht van Bethune), son of the current Count of Flanders. And believe it or not, he's my ancestor. Stricly along the feminine line, starting with my father's mother. One of the chambermaids of the castle in Dendermonde (which was one of the residences of the Counts of Flanders) became pregnant and had a boy child. She was given a fair amount of money and her family did very well afterwards (the son became mayor).
So there is a tiny drop of blue blood running through my veins, which I think is rather nice...

LoveHistory · Post by **LoveHistory** » Mon July 11th, 2011, 9:51 pm

Interesting bit of history.