Malle
Malle | |
---|---|
Arrondissement | Antwerp |
Government | |
• Mayor | Sanne Van Looy (N-VA) |
• Governing party/ies | DBM, N-VA |
Area | |
• Total | 51.9 km2 (20.0 sq mi) |
Population (2020-01-01)[1] | |
• Total | 15,602 |
• Density | 300/km2 (780/sq mi) |
Postal codes | 2390 |
NIS code | 11057 |
Area codes | 03 |
Website | www.malle.be |
Malle (Dutch pronunciation:
History
Early history
The origin and meaning of the word Malle is uncertain: on the one hand it could refer to an extended plain, border or stop, but more likely it refers to a place which was used by the Franks for legal matters. A Mallum was a general court session presided by the count.[3] In Irish, the name Ó Maoileoin, means a devotee of St. John.
A record of the name Malle emerges for the first time in 1194, when the bishop of
The origin of
During the Middle Ages (476–1492), Oostmalle was part of the Duchy of Brabant, governed by lords like Jan Van Hesselbeke and Jan Volckaert (around 1300). The lower feudal rights belonged to the House of Breda, the higher rights belonged to the Duke of Brabant.
Westmalle's origin dates to before 1100, when the place of residence (Mansus) of the representative (Villicus or Meier) of the Duke of Brabant was mentioned in historical record. The history of Westmalle Castle reflects the history of the governing families of Westmalle. Henry I, Duke of Brabant granted some feudal rights to the abbot of the Abbey of Villers on the condition that a monastery would be built in Westmalle. However, the monastery was built in Hemiksem instead.
Separation of Malle
In the first half of the 13th century Malle was separated when the County of Strijen was divided; Oostmalle came to belong to the County of
16th to 18th century
Almost continuously the Campine villages were plundered and besieged; foreign troops caused severe havoc, and also brought with them diseases like the Bubonic plague. Oostmalle suffered most from the plague between 1575 and 1605.
In 1542, during the wars of
During the eighties of the 16th century, only 23 families survived in Westmalle and they had to hide for four years at Westmalle Castle because of the Spanish troops, who were ravaging the region. During the 17th century the region suffered from several attacks from the Dutch Republic. Around 1620, Croatian (In old Flemish: Krawaten) soldiers of the Spanish army occupied Malle. In 1626 a Chapel of Saint Anthony was built in Salphen for people from Oostmalle who fled their village to escape the plague. At the end of the 17th century, during the Dutch War (1672–1678) Westmalle was almost entirely burned to ashes.
At the start of the 18th century, the region suffered during the
Modern era
After the defeat of
On 1 January 1977 Oostmalle and Westmalle were reunited, first under the name Westmalle, and since 30 June 1979 under the original name Malle.
Tourism
Important curiosities in Malle include the
Malle has three churches: the Church of
The forests of Herenbos, Molenbos (Drieboomkesberg), Bruulbergen and Schrabbenbos are also worth a visit.
Twin towns
Malle is linked to the following towns as
- France: Saint-Savin
- Germany: Heusenstamm
- Poland: Zakrzówek, Lublin Voivodeship
- United Kingdom: Hartley Wintney
Economy
History
Malle is located in the
Until the 18th century Oostmalle was known for its black pottery, such as "Lollepotten" which were small stoves used for room heating in winter.
Modern era
Nowadays, Malle is a regional economic centre. It is home to several companies like ETAP Lighting, ETAP Yachting, Ecover, and Meubelfabrieken Karel Mintjens[5] (among the TOP500 of the Belgian Companies[6]).
Notable inhabitants
- May Claerhout, sculptor
- Viscount Leonard Pierre Joseph du Bus de Gisignies(1780–1849)
- Maria Rosseels (1916–2005), journalist and writer
- Godfroy Lenaerts, ground owner and landlord (1925–2006)
Evolution of inhabitants
After merger
Year | 1977 | 1980 | 1985 | 1990 | 1995 | 2000 | 2005 | 2006 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Inhabitants | 9798 | 10.520 | 11.353 | 12.096 | 13.301 | 13.922 | 14.150 | 14.083 |
Remark:Inhabitaints on 01/01 – Bron:NIS |
See also
References
- ^ "Bevolking per gemeente op 1 januari 2020". Statbel.
- ^ "Bevolking per statistische sector - Sector 11057". Statistics Belgium. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
- ^ Francis N. Estey, The Meaning of Placitum and Mallum in the Capitularies, Speculum, Vol. 22, No. 3 (Jul., 1947), pp. 435–439
- ^ Th. de Molder, Geschiedenis van Oostmalle, Turnhout, 1947
- ^ www.mintjens.be
- ^ www.top500.de
External links
- (in Dutch) Official website
- (in Dutch) Cyclocross Oostmalle
- (in Dutch) Tourism
- (in Dutch) Land van Playsantiën