Les Moëres

De Moeren (Dutch) or Les Moëres (French) are a marshy region in the Westhoek, politically divided between the French-Belgian border. At one time the area was inhabited by the Gallic people known as the Morini; they are believed to have lent their name to the territory.

For many centuries, beginning around 800, the marshes were completely submerged due to a slight elevation of the nearby sea; beginning in 1617 the area was drained by Wenceslas Cobergher on the orders of Albert VII, Archduke of Austria and his wife, Isabella. The project was finished in 1627, leaving the marshes around 2.5 meters above sea level.

With the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, De Moeren were divided between France and the Netherlands. Today, two communes share the territory and its name:

References

This article is a translation of the article in the French Wikipedia.

Coordinates: 51°2′N 2°34′E / 51.033°N 2.567°E / 51.033; 2.567

Steenvoorde

Steenvoorde is a commune in the Nord department in northern France. Once part of the Seventeen Provinces of the Low Countries, Steenvoorde was the site of the beginning of the Beeldenstorm, or "Iconoclastic Fury." Today the city is known for its Géants du Nord, sculptures of giants that can be admired in summer festivals.

Heraldry

See also

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