Flanders Poppies
Family History
History of the name Flanders
From Wikipedia: Flanders (Dutch: Vlaanderen (help·info), French: Flandre) today refers to the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium. It is one of the regions and communities of Belgium. Historically, the name referred to a region located in the north-western part of present-day Belgium and adjacent parts of France and the Netherlands. Both in the historical and the contemporary meaning, the demonym associated with Flanders is Fleming, while the corresponding adjective is Flemish. Brussels is the capital of Flanders, though not fully under its jurisdiction.
Over the course of history, the geographical territory that was called "Flanders" has varied. From around 1000 AD, Flanders historically meant to English-speaking peoples the land situated along the North Sea from the Strait of Dover to the Scheldt estuary with ill-defined southern borders.[1] It came to refer specifically to the County of Flanders, lasting from 862 to 1795, whose territory was situated in the northwestern part of what is now Belgium (the Belgian provinces of West Flanders and East Flanders), with extensive portions in what is now northern France (French Flanders), and a small area that is now part of the Netherlands (Zeelandic Flanders). Through marriage, the County of Flanders was joined with most of the rest of the Low Countries around 1400 AD, and it lost its independence. Most of the county's territory became part of an independent Belgium in 1830, and during the 19th and 20th centuries, it became increasingly commonplace to refer to the entire Dutch-speaking and northern part of Belgium as "Flanders", including the Belgian parts of the Duchy of Brabant and Limburg. In the late 20th century, Belgium became a federal state in which the Dutch-speaking part was given autonomy as the Flemish Community (Dutch: Vlaamse Gemeenschap) and the Flemish Region (Dutch: Vlaams Gewest); these two entities were effectively merged, and Flanders now refers to the territory of the Flemish Community, which has partial jurisdiction over Brussels, its capital.
Flanders has figured prominently in European history. During the late Middle Ages, Flanders' trading towns (notably Ghent, Bruges and Ypres) made it one of the richest and most urbanized parts of Europe, weaving the wool of neighbouring lands into cloth for both domestic use and export. As a consequence, a very sophisticated culture developed, with impressive achievements in the arts and architecture, rivaling those of northern Italy. As part of Belgium, Flanders was initially the poorer half of the country to industrialized Wallonia. In the second half of the twentieth century, however, there has been a gradual shift of political and economic power to Flanders, which, having modernized its economy, is now more wealthy and prosperous than its southern counterpart.[2]
Geographically, Flanders is generally flat, and has a small section of coast on the North Sea. Flanders borders France to the west, the Netherlands to the north and east, and Wallonia to the south. The Brussels Capital Region is enclaved within the Flemish Region, while Voeren is an exclave of Flanders between Wallonia and the Netherlands. Flanders is agriculturally fertile and densely populated, with a population density of almost 500 people per square kilometer (1200 per square mile).
Living in Flanders, the heart of Europe Living in Flanders, the heart of Europe Flanders is a region in Belgium, located in the center of Europe. Belgium has a population of 10 million people. There are three official languages (Dutch, French and German). However, English is widely spoken all over the country.
Geography: in the heart of Europe
Quality of life
Science and technology: focus on bio and nano
Belgian cuisine
Practical aspects of living in Flanders
Visa requirements
Traveling to Belgium and Flanders
Geography: in the heart of Europe Flanders is the northern part of Belgium. The region borders on the North Sea, with 65 km of beach. Flanders covers 44,8% of the country’s surface and accounts for some 60% of the total population.
Due to its central location in Europe, many major European cities, like Paris, London, Amsterdam, are only a short distance away and can be easily visited on a day-trip from Belgium. The location of Flanders and its major cities in Belgium State structure and languages Belgium is a federal state, with 4 relatively autonomous regions and governments: Flanders in the north, where the language is Dutch ("Flemish"), Wallonia in the south, where the language is French, the East Cantons where the language is German, and the centrally located Brussels, which is officially bilingual (French and Dutch). The Dutch dialects spoken in Belgium and the standard language with influences from these dialects, are often referred to as Flemish.
Belgium's rich history Belgium's rich history has left impressive churches, town halls, castles and works of art, dating back to the early Middle Ages, spread around the cities and country-side (see below). Major industries today include automobile assembly, biotechnology, chemicals, diamond cutting, food and beverages, glass, steel, transportation and high value-added manufacturing. An export-oriented economy The region provides 60% of the national GDP. Flanders' economy is strongly export-oriented. The main export products are automobiles, food (chocolates & beers !), iron and steel, finished diamonds, textiles, plastics and petroleum products. Quality of life Belgium is considered to have a high "quality of life", as testified by its excellent food, housing, health care, education and infrastructure.
Science and technology: focus on bio and nano Science and technology is well developed thanks to the presence of several universities and major research institutes in the region. Biotechnology & nanotechnology are 2 of the 10 core focus areas of Flanders’ Science Policy.
Belgian cuisine Our cuisine is related to the French cuisine, but offers some very distinctive touches. A well-known culinary specialty is Belgian chocolates. And then there is the national dish, "French" Fries ("frites"), which, according to the legend, were invented in Belgium, not France. Beer is another national specialty: there are hundreds of different types with distinctive tastes, all served in their own specially made glasses.
Flanders in numbers and assets -surface area: 13 522 km2 (Belgium 30 528 km2)
-inhabitants: 5.940 million (Belgium 10.239 million)
-population density/km2: 439 (Belgium 335)
-maritime climate
-infrastructure: highly urbanized and flat area with a dense public network system of railways, buses, motorways and roads; trams and underground in major towns
-more information on Flanders can be found here.
Major cities: Brussels, Leuven, Antwerp, Ghent
Brussels is the bilingual capital of the kingdom of Belgium. The city, is also the capital of the Europe Union, is home to the European Commission and to the Council of ministers of the European Parliament. Brussels is a cosmopolitan city where many different cultures live together and where different languages can be heard on each street. This liveliness and international flair is, of course, intimately related to its role as a crossroads for all of Europe. Grand Place Brussels - Copyright VIB The heart of Brussels is the Grand Place (Grote Markt). This historic market square with its splendid guild houses and the impressive gothic beauty of the Town Hall, is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe. Brussels hosts the University called the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
Leuven is situated about 20 Km east of Brussels. With a total population of about 90.000 inhabitants, it could have been an inauspicious little provincial town, were it not that Leuven is renowned all over the world for its University (the KULeuven = Katholieke Universiteit Leuven -Catholic University of Leuven), one of the oldest still existing catholic universities in the world, founded in 1425. Leuven has a lively atmosphere because of the many students from all over the world. Especially in the evening, and certainly at night, the many bars and student cafés, spread all over the town, guarantee that there is always something happening. Very popular is the area around the 'Oude Markt - Old Market', located close to the magnificent 15th century medieval town hall. Ladeuzeplein Leuven - Copyright VIB Ghent, the capital of East Flanders combines an impressive past with a vivid present. The historic heart of the city offers a lot of places of interest. From St Michael's bridge there is a wonderful view on the skyline of Ghent with the three impressive towers of St Nicholas' Church, the Belfry with its bell tower and St Bavo's cathedral with the world famous painting "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by Jan van Eyck. Traces of the Middle Ages are preserved at a lot of places. The old port with its guild halls on the Graslei and Korenlei is merely one example of the beautiful views this town has to offer. Not far from the Graslei arises the Castle of the Counts, once the medieval fortress of the Count of Flanders. Graslei Ghent - Copyright VIB Not only art lovers but everyone can find something here to suit his taste. Ghent offers a lot of shops, restaurants and an exciting nightlife. Ghent hosts Ghent University.
Antwerp, is the second largest city of Belgium. It is also the second largest harbor of Europe. Antwerp is a splendid city with numerous architectural highlights, most of which date from the 16th (the golden era of Antwerp) and the 17th century. The past is also represented by the numerous paintings of Peter Paul Rubens who lived in the Antwerp of the early 17th century. Skyline Antwerp - Copyright VIB Antwerp is the diamond center of the World and has earned a place among the fashion cities of the world thanks to the efforts of numerous young Flemish fashion designers (e.g.: Walter Van Beirendonck, Nadine Wynants, Ann De Meulemeester, Dirk Bikkembergs, Kaat Tilley and others). Antwerp hosts the University of Antwerp.
Practical aspects of living in Flanders Several websites (Expatica, Expat Interviews,…) offer practical information about traveling to and living in Belgium. Some general information is provided below.
Visa requirements Unless you are a national of one of the member states of the European Union or a few other selected countries, you will need to obtain a visa to reside in Belgium during your period of study. Visa requirements also apply to family members who may accompany you during your stay. Candidates will receive more information regarding Visa requirements from VIB’s Human resources department after the selection for the VIB International Ph.D.program. General information is available here.
Traveling to Belgium and Flanders Airports: Brussels, Antwerp, Charleroi Brussels Airport is the major airport. It is connected with frequent trains to Brussels and the rest of Belgium. Car Belgium has a dense network of highways. Driving times between all major cities are 1-2 hours. More info Train The Belgian National Railways operate the densest rail network in the world and the majority of the international lines pass through Brussels, the center of this network. There is a frequent efficient train service from Brussels to almost all parts of the country.
Other useful information Time zone: GMT + 1 hour. Electricity: Current is A.C. 220 volts 50 cycles Postal service: Hours: 9 AM to 12 AM and 2 PM to 5 PM Currency: The official currency is the EURO (€). Bank service: Monday through Friday 9 AM to 3 PM (some closing for an hour at lunch time) Public Holidays: New Year (January 1) Easter Monday Labor Day (May 1) Ascension Day Whit Monday National Day (July 21) Assumption Day (August 15) All Saints' Day (November 1) Armistice Day (November 11) Christmas Day (December 25) Religious Services: Practically every religion is represented in the main towns in Belgium Tips, VAT, Taxes: Belgium prices are quoted "all inclusive". No additional tipping necessary Telephones: The main international operators (AT&T, Sprint, etc.) have free call-in numbers in Belgium. Weather: more info Hotels: more info Have a look at the map of Belgium ************************************************************************************************************************************
Wife to the Conqueror: Matilda of Flanders, Queen of Englands
Queen of England and Duchess of Normandy
Matilda of Flanders, the wife of William the Conqueror, and the first woman to be crowned and titled Queen of England after the Norman Conquest, was born sometime in 1031. She was of illustrious descent: her father, Baldwin V, was the Count of Flanders, and her mother Adela, was a daughter of the King of France. On one side or the other, Matilda was related to most of the royal families of Europe.
She was extremely well-educated, and said to be very beautiful - though modern research shows that she never exceeded 5 feet in height. According to old chroniclers, she had a refined, delicate features, a well-set head, and a graceful figure. And when she was in her state dress, she would have compared favorably with a Greek statue. Matilda spent her early years in Lille, a town that was built by her own father in Northern France. She inherited his talent for architecture which she would later turned to such good account. It was also in Lille that Matilda met an English ambassador named Brihtric, the Earl of Gloucester. The youthful Matilda fell in love with him, but Brihtric never returned her affections. He returned to England, perhaps even forgot about her, but her pride was wounded, and she was said to take her revenge years later.
Although Matilda's father Baldwin V possessed no higher title than Count, he ruled over a realm which was one of the wealthiest and most powerful in Europe. So it is no wonder that his daughter was a much sought-after bride. One of her numerous suitors was her own cousin, William of Normandy, the illegitimate and only son of Robert, Duke of Normandy and a woman named Herleva, a daughter of a tanner. William was called by his enemies as "William the Bastard", but he had no problem with it. Even though he was illegitimate, his father made him heir, and when Robert died, William succeeded as Duke of Normandy at the tender age of seven.
William grew up to be a handsome and athletic man, according to all accounts. By the age of nineteen, he was already a toughen man and a reputable warrior who had successfully defended his title. But the Count of Flanders had misgivings regarding William's position, and this view was shared by Matilda. She didn't want him as her husband. She considered herself too high-born to be considered marrying a bastard even though he was a Duke. But William was not the sort of man to easily give up.
Matilda was the smallest Queen of England.
Her height never exceeded beyond five feet. He had fallen in love with Matilda when he saw her for the first time at the French court. He was said to be so passionately enamored of her that he would do anything to obtain her, whether it means by using force. Nevertheless, her words reached him and he felt slighted. And so one day, while Matilda and her ladies were on their way home from church, she was met by William. Her ladies were alarmed by his wild demeanor, but Matilda remained calm. She remained adamant that she would not marry a bastard, and upon hearing this, William dragged her off her horse by her long braids, and threw her down in the mud-covered street in front of her flabbergasted attendants. He did not abduct her; he rode away.
The Count of Flanders took offense at this, and prepared to attack William's dominions, but Matilda intervened. She may had found William's violent behavior "macho" and likable because she finally agreed to marry him, to the astonishment of all. "His request pleases me well," she said. When her father laughingly asked her how she consented to the marriage after her scornful refusal, she was said to reply: "Because I did not know the Duke then so well as I do now; for he must be a man of great courage and high daring who could venture to come and beat me in my father's place."
William and Matilda were married at the Angi Castle in Normandy, when they were 25 and 21, respectively. Soon after their marriage, the Pope expressed his displeasure at this marriage between cousins and excommunicated them. William indignantly appealed to the Pope, and finally relented but with conditions. They must build two abbeys. And so William founded St. Stephen's Abbey for monks, and Matilda, the Abbaye-aux-Dames for nuns.
Despite the rather violent nature of their meeting, William and Matilda went on to have a successful and happy marriage. William was especially proud of his wife. He made sure that he would take her with him on royal tours of his dominions, showing her off to his subjects. They settled in Rouen, and Matilda became popular with the people. The couple was devoted to each other, and both were noted to possess commanding tempers. She was faithful and affectionate to William, as he was to her, and was able to win and retain his affection, respect and esteem. She supported and sympathized with all his projects, whether they were social or political. They went on to have ten children.
Meanwhile, Edward the Confessor, King of England, died without issue, and the throne was fiercely disputed by three claimants. William, now 28 years-old and a hardened man of battle, press his claim through descent to Emma (mother of Edward). He also contended that Edward, when in exile in Normandy, had promised William the throne. But it was Harold who was crowned King of England, in accordance to Edward's last will.
And so William finally set out on his greatest enterprise: the conquest of England. He was helped in his preparations by Matilda, convincing the barons to overcome to reluctance and follow William "beyond the sea". King Philip I of France treated William's idea of annexing England as absurd, and asked him who would be left in charge of Normandy while he was running a kingdom. To this William confidently replied that he had Matilda and his subjects, who were capable of securing the duchy during his absence.
Matilda returned this gesture of confidence by building and fitting out a secret ship to be added to William's navy. It was called the Mora. Upon seeing it, William was surprised. The ship's gold figure-head was an effigy of their youngest son holding a trumpet with one hand and with the other a bow, with its arrow pointed towards England. William took this as his flagship.
Before leaving Normandy, William appointed Matilda as the regent of his dominions. She was helped in this by her eldest son, Robert, who was only 13-years-old. She proved to be a capable and wise regent that when William had successfully landed in England and crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey, he arranged for her coming and had her crowned Queen of England at Winchester Cathedral in 1068.
Matilda remained in Normandy most of the time, looking after her husband's interests while he was detained in England by recurring revolts caused by the Saxons. Her revenue as Queen of England was considerable, this include money to provide oil for her lamp and wood for her hearth. She received tolls on goods landed at Queenhithe, and part of every fine voluntary paid to the crown.
William and Matilda enjoyed a happy marriage life throughout their lives, but the one cause of tension between husband and wife was their eldest son, Robert. He was his mother's favorite child, but he also inherited too much of his father's masterful spirit. He grew up to be arrogant and self-centered. He challenged his father and demanded to be the regent of Normandy. William acquiesced, and Robert acted as regent, while his father was in England busy subduing the rebellions. Then he demanded complete control of Normandy and broke into open rebellion. William was much surprised at his son's capacity as a leader, but he was still no match to him. William successfully suppressed the rebellion, and Robert sought pardon. But William was not to be easily propitiated; he refused to completely forgive his son. Throughout the quarrel between father and son, Matilda gave all her efforts at reconciliation, but to no avail. She was torn between husband and child. She supported Robert during the rebellion, secretly supplying him with money and jewels. William discovered her secret aid for Robert, but this did not seem to have made any difference in his affection for her.
Statue of Matilda of Flanders in the
gardens of the Luxembourg Palace in Paris
William and his son never had a full reconciliation, and this trouble seemed to have already preyed on Matilda's mind. She became ill and grew weaker. When William received the news that she was seriously ill, he hastened to Normandy to be at her bedside. He wrote a letter to Robert, who was by that time staying at Gerberol Castle because of his recent rebellion, and asked him to immediately travel to Rouen. Robert arrived, and William grant him full pardon. For a time, Matilda's health improved. But in 1098, her daughter Constance died, and there were troubles once again between William and Robert. She was deeply affected by these sad events, and died in November after a lingering illness. She was buried at the Abbey of Holy Trinity in Caen.
Matilda's death plunged William into deep depression. It was said that after her death, he became tyrannical, and people blamed it on his having lost her. He no longer went hunting, which was his favorite sport. After four years, William died, and was buried at St. Stephen's Abbey.
***************************************************************************************************************************************************
Over the course of history, the geographical territory that was called "Flanders" has varied. From around 1000 AD, Flanders historically meant to English-speaking peoples the land situated along the North Sea from the Strait of Dover to the Scheldt estuary with ill-defined southern borders.[1] It came to refer specifically to the County of Flanders, lasting from 862 to 1795, whose territory was situated in the northwestern part of what is now Belgium (the Belgian provinces of West Flanders and East Flanders), with extensive portions in what is now northern France (French Flanders), and a small area that is now part of the Netherlands (Zeelandic Flanders). Through marriage, the County of Flanders was joined with most of the rest of the Low Countries around 1400 AD, and it lost its independence. Most of the county's territory became part of an independent Belgium in 1830, and during the 19th and 20th centuries, it became increasingly commonplace to refer to the entire Dutch-speaking and northern part of Belgium as "Flanders", including the Belgian parts of the Duchy of Brabant and Limburg. In the late 20th century, Belgium became a federal state in which the Dutch-speaking part was given autonomy as the Flemish Community (Dutch: Vlaamse Gemeenschap) and the Flemish Region (Dutch: Vlaams Gewest); these two entities were effectively merged, and Flanders now refers to the territory of the Flemish Community, which has partial jurisdiction over Brussels, its capital.
Flanders has figured prominently in European history. During the late Middle Ages, Flanders' trading towns (notably Ghent, Bruges and Ypres) made it one of the richest and most urbanized parts of Europe, weaving the wool of neighbouring lands into cloth for both domestic use and export. As a consequence, a very sophisticated culture developed, with impressive achievements in the arts and architecture, rivaling those of northern Italy. As part of Belgium, Flanders was initially the poorer half of the country to industrialized Wallonia. In the second half of the twentieth century, however, there has been a gradual shift of political and economic power to Flanders, which, having modernized its economy, is now more wealthy and prosperous than its southern counterpart.[2]
Geographically, Flanders is generally flat, and has a small section of coast on the North Sea. Flanders borders France to the west, the Netherlands to the north and east, and Wallonia to the south. The Brussels Capital Region is enclaved within the Flemish Region, while Voeren is an exclave of Flanders between Wallonia and the Netherlands. Flanders is agriculturally fertile and densely populated, with a population density of almost 500 people per square kilometer (1200 per square mile).
Living in Flanders, the heart of Europe Living in Flanders, the heart of Europe Flanders is a region in Belgium, located in the center of Europe. Belgium has a population of 10 million people. There are three official languages (Dutch, French and German). However, English is widely spoken all over the country.
Geography: in the heart of Europe
Quality of life
Science and technology: focus on bio and nano
Belgian cuisine
Practical aspects of living in Flanders
Visa requirements
Traveling to Belgium and Flanders
Geography: in the heart of Europe Flanders is the northern part of Belgium. The region borders on the North Sea, with 65 km of beach. Flanders covers 44,8% of the country’s surface and accounts for some 60% of the total population.
Due to its central location in Europe, many major European cities, like Paris, London, Amsterdam, are only a short distance away and can be easily visited on a day-trip from Belgium. The location of Flanders and its major cities in Belgium State structure and languages Belgium is a federal state, with 4 relatively autonomous regions and governments: Flanders in the north, where the language is Dutch ("Flemish"), Wallonia in the south, where the language is French, the East Cantons where the language is German, and the centrally located Brussels, which is officially bilingual (French and Dutch). The Dutch dialects spoken in Belgium and the standard language with influences from these dialects, are often referred to as Flemish.
Belgium's rich history Belgium's rich history has left impressive churches, town halls, castles and works of art, dating back to the early Middle Ages, spread around the cities and country-side (see below). Major industries today include automobile assembly, biotechnology, chemicals, diamond cutting, food and beverages, glass, steel, transportation and high value-added manufacturing. An export-oriented economy The region provides 60% of the national GDP. Flanders' economy is strongly export-oriented. The main export products are automobiles, food (chocolates & beers !), iron and steel, finished diamonds, textiles, plastics and petroleum products. Quality of life Belgium is considered to have a high "quality of life", as testified by its excellent food, housing, health care, education and infrastructure.
Science and technology: focus on bio and nano Science and technology is well developed thanks to the presence of several universities and major research institutes in the region. Biotechnology & nanotechnology are 2 of the 10 core focus areas of Flanders’ Science Policy.
Belgian cuisine Our cuisine is related to the French cuisine, but offers some very distinctive touches. A well-known culinary specialty is Belgian chocolates. And then there is the national dish, "French" Fries ("frites"), which, according to the legend, were invented in Belgium, not France. Beer is another national specialty: there are hundreds of different types with distinctive tastes, all served in their own specially made glasses.
Flanders in numbers and assets -surface area: 13 522 km2 (Belgium 30 528 km2)
-inhabitants: 5.940 million (Belgium 10.239 million)
-population density/km2: 439 (Belgium 335)
-maritime climate
-infrastructure: highly urbanized and flat area with a dense public network system of railways, buses, motorways and roads; trams and underground in major towns
-more information on Flanders can be found here.
Major cities: Brussels, Leuven, Antwerp, Ghent
Brussels is the bilingual capital of the kingdom of Belgium. The city, is also the capital of the Europe Union, is home to the European Commission and to the Council of ministers of the European Parliament. Brussels is a cosmopolitan city where many different cultures live together and where different languages can be heard on each street. This liveliness and international flair is, of course, intimately related to its role as a crossroads for all of Europe. Grand Place Brussels - Copyright VIB The heart of Brussels is the Grand Place (Grote Markt). This historic market square with its splendid guild houses and the impressive gothic beauty of the Town Hall, is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe. Brussels hosts the University called the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
Leuven is situated about 20 Km east of Brussels. With a total population of about 90.000 inhabitants, it could have been an inauspicious little provincial town, were it not that Leuven is renowned all over the world for its University (the KULeuven = Katholieke Universiteit Leuven -Catholic University of Leuven), one of the oldest still existing catholic universities in the world, founded in 1425. Leuven has a lively atmosphere because of the many students from all over the world. Especially in the evening, and certainly at night, the many bars and student cafés, spread all over the town, guarantee that there is always something happening. Very popular is the area around the 'Oude Markt - Old Market', located close to the magnificent 15th century medieval town hall. Ladeuzeplein Leuven - Copyright VIB Ghent, the capital of East Flanders combines an impressive past with a vivid present. The historic heart of the city offers a lot of places of interest. From St Michael's bridge there is a wonderful view on the skyline of Ghent with the three impressive towers of St Nicholas' Church, the Belfry with its bell tower and St Bavo's cathedral with the world famous painting "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by Jan van Eyck. Traces of the Middle Ages are preserved at a lot of places. The old port with its guild halls on the Graslei and Korenlei is merely one example of the beautiful views this town has to offer. Not far from the Graslei arises the Castle of the Counts, once the medieval fortress of the Count of Flanders. Graslei Ghent - Copyright VIB Not only art lovers but everyone can find something here to suit his taste. Ghent offers a lot of shops, restaurants and an exciting nightlife. Ghent hosts Ghent University.
Antwerp, is the second largest city of Belgium. It is also the second largest harbor of Europe. Antwerp is a splendid city with numerous architectural highlights, most of which date from the 16th (the golden era of Antwerp) and the 17th century. The past is also represented by the numerous paintings of Peter Paul Rubens who lived in the Antwerp of the early 17th century. Skyline Antwerp - Copyright VIB Antwerp is the diamond center of the World and has earned a place among the fashion cities of the world thanks to the efforts of numerous young Flemish fashion designers (e.g.: Walter Van Beirendonck, Nadine Wynants, Ann De Meulemeester, Dirk Bikkembergs, Kaat Tilley and others). Antwerp hosts the University of Antwerp.
Practical aspects of living in Flanders Several websites (Expatica, Expat Interviews,…) offer practical information about traveling to and living in Belgium. Some general information is provided below.
Visa requirements Unless you are a national of one of the member states of the European Union or a few other selected countries, you will need to obtain a visa to reside in Belgium during your period of study. Visa requirements also apply to family members who may accompany you during your stay. Candidates will receive more information regarding Visa requirements from VIB’s Human resources department after the selection for the VIB International Ph.D.program. General information is available here.
Traveling to Belgium and Flanders Airports: Brussels, Antwerp, Charleroi Brussels Airport is the major airport. It is connected with frequent trains to Brussels and the rest of Belgium. Car Belgium has a dense network of highways. Driving times between all major cities are 1-2 hours. More info Train The Belgian National Railways operate the densest rail network in the world and the majority of the international lines pass through Brussels, the center of this network. There is a frequent efficient train service from Brussels to almost all parts of the country.
Other useful information Time zone: GMT + 1 hour. Electricity: Current is A.C. 220 volts 50 cycles Postal service: Hours: 9 AM to 12 AM and 2 PM to 5 PM Currency: The official currency is the EURO (€). Bank service: Monday through Friday 9 AM to 3 PM (some closing for an hour at lunch time) Public Holidays: New Year (January 1) Easter Monday Labor Day (May 1) Ascension Day Whit Monday National Day (July 21) Assumption Day (August 15) All Saints' Day (November 1) Armistice Day (November 11) Christmas Day (December 25) Religious Services: Practically every religion is represented in the main towns in Belgium Tips, VAT, Taxes: Belgium prices are quoted "all inclusive". No additional tipping necessary Telephones: The main international operators (AT&T, Sprint, etc.) have free call-in numbers in Belgium. Weather: more info Hotels: more info Have a look at the map of Belgium ************************************************************************************************************************************
Wife to the Conqueror: Matilda of Flanders, Queen of Englands
Queen of England and Duchess of Normandy
Matilda of Flanders, the wife of William the Conqueror, and the first woman to be crowned and titled Queen of England after the Norman Conquest, was born sometime in 1031. She was of illustrious descent: her father, Baldwin V, was the Count of Flanders, and her mother Adela, was a daughter of the King of France. On one side or the other, Matilda was related to most of the royal families of Europe.
She was extremely well-educated, and said to be very beautiful - though modern research shows that she never exceeded 5 feet in height. According to old chroniclers, she had a refined, delicate features, a well-set head, and a graceful figure. And when she was in her state dress, she would have compared favorably with a Greek statue. Matilda spent her early years in Lille, a town that was built by her own father in Northern France. She inherited his talent for architecture which she would later turned to such good account. It was also in Lille that Matilda met an English ambassador named Brihtric, the Earl of Gloucester. The youthful Matilda fell in love with him, but Brihtric never returned her affections. He returned to England, perhaps even forgot about her, but her pride was wounded, and she was said to take her revenge years later.
Although Matilda's father Baldwin V possessed no higher title than Count, he ruled over a realm which was one of the wealthiest and most powerful in Europe. So it is no wonder that his daughter was a much sought-after bride. One of her numerous suitors was her own cousin, William of Normandy, the illegitimate and only son of Robert, Duke of Normandy and a woman named Herleva, a daughter of a tanner. William was called by his enemies as "William the Bastard", but he had no problem with it. Even though he was illegitimate, his father made him heir, and when Robert died, William succeeded as Duke of Normandy at the tender age of seven.
William grew up to be a handsome and athletic man, according to all accounts. By the age of nineteen, he was already a toughen man and a reputable warrior who had successfully defended his title. But the Count of Flanders had misgivings regarding William's position, and this view was shared by Matilda. She didn't want him as her husband. She considered herself too high-born to be considered marrying a bastard even though he was a Duke. But William was not the sort of man to easily give up.
Matilda was the smallest Queen of England.
Her height never exceeded beyond five feet. He had fallen in love with Matilda when he saw her for the first time at the French court. He was said to be so passionately enamored of her that he would do anything to obtain her, whether it means by using force. Nevertheless, her words reached him and he felt slighted. And so one day, while Matilda and her ladies were on their way home from church, she was met by William. Her ladies were alarmed by his wild demeanor, but Matilda remained calm. She remained adamant that she would not marry a bastard, and upon hearing this, William dragged her off her horse by her long braids, and threw her down in the mud-covered street in front of her flabbergasted attendants. He did not abduct her; he rode away.
The Count of Flanders took offense at this, and prepared to attack William's dominions, but Matilda intervened. She may had found William's violent behavior "macho" and likable because she finally agreed to marry him, to the astonishment of all. "His request pleases me well," she said. When her father laughingly asked her how she consented to the marriage after her scornful refusal, she was said to reply: "Because I did not know the Duke then so well as I do now; for he must be a man of great courage and high daring who could venture to come and beat me in my father's place."
William and Matilda were married at the Angi Castle in Normandy, when they were 25 and 21, respectively. Soon after their marriage, the Pope expressed his displeasure at this marriage between cousins and excommunicated them. William indignantly appealed to the Pope, and finally relented but with conditions. They must build two abbeys. And so William founded St. Stephen's Abbey for monks, and Matilda, the Abbaye-aux-Dames for nuns.
Despite the rather violent nature of their meeting, William and Matilda went on to have a successful and happy marriage. William was especially proud of his wife. He made sure that he would take her with him on royal tours of his dominions, showing her off to his subjects. They settled in Rouen, and Matilda became popular with the people. The couple was devoted to each other, and both were noted to possess commanding tempers. She was faithful and affectionate to William, as he was to her, and was able to win and retain his affection, respect and esteem. She supported and sympathized with all his projects, whether they were social or political. They went on to have ten children.
Meanwhile, Edward the Confessor, King of England, died without issue, and the throne was fiercely disputed by three claimants. William, now 28 years-old and a hardened man of battle, press his claim through descent to Emma (mother of Edward). He also contended that Edward, when in exile in Normandy, had promised William the throne. But it was Harold who was crowned King of England, in accordance to Edward's last will.
And so William finally set out on his greatest enterprise: the conquest of England. He was helped in his preparations by Matilda, convincing the barons to overcome to reluctance and follow William "beyond the sea". King Philip I of France treated William's idea of annexing England as absurd, and asked him who would be left in charge of Normandy while he was running a kingdom. To this William confidently replied that he had Matilda and his subjects, who were capable of securing the duchy during his absence.
Matilda returned this gesture of confidence by building and fitting out a secret ship to be added to William's navy. It was called the Mora. Upon seeing it, William was surprised. The ship's gold figure-head was an effigy of their youngest son holding a trumpet with one hand and with the other a bow, with its arrow pointed towards England. William took this as his flagship.
Before leaving Normandy, William appointed Matilda as the regent of his dominions. She was helped in this by her eldest son, Robert, who was only 13-years-old. She proved to be a capable and wise regent that when William had successfully landed in England and crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey, he arranged for her coming and had her crowned Queen of England at Winchester Cathedral in 1068.
Matilda remained in Normandy most of the time, looking after her husband's interests while he was detained in England by recurring revolts caused by the Saxons. Her revenue as Queen of England was considerable, this include money to provide oil for her lamp and wood for her hearth. She received tolls on goods landed at Queenhithe, and part of every fine voluntary paid to the crown.
William and Matilda enjoyed a happy marriage life throughout their lives, but the one cause of tension between husband and wife was their eldest son, Robert. He was his mother's favorite child, but he also inherited too much of his father's masterful spirit. He grew up to be arrogant and self-centered. He challenged his father and demanded to be the regent of Normandy. William acquiesced, and Robert acted as regent, while his father was in England busy subduing the rebellions. Then he demanded complete control of Normandy and broke into open rebellion. William was much surprised at his son's capacity as a leader, but he was still no match to him. William successfully suppressed the rebellion, and Robert sought pardon. But William was not to be easily propitiated; he refused to completely forgive his son. Throughout the quarrel between father and son, Matilda gave all her efforts at reconciliation, but to no avail. She was torn between husband and child. She supported Robert during the rebellion, secretly supplying him with money and jewels. William discovered her secret aid for Robert, but this did not seem to have made any difference in his affection for her.
Statue of Matilda of Flanders in the
gardens of the Luxembourg Palace in Paris
William and his son never had a full reconciliation, and this trouble seemed to have already preyed on Matilda's mind. She became ill and grew weaker. When William received the news that she was seriously ill, he hastened to Normandy to be at her bedside. He wrote a letter to Robert, who was by that time staying at Gerberol Castle because of his recent rebellion, and asked him to immediately travel to Rouen. Robert arrived, and William grant him full pardon. For a time, Matilda's health improved. But in 1098, her daughter Constance died, and there were troubles once again between William and Robert. She was deeply affected by these sad events, and died in November after a lingering illness. She was buried at the Abbey of Holy Trinity in Caen.
Matilda's death plunged William into deep depression. It was said that after her death, he became tyrannical, and people blamed it on his having lost her. He no longer went hunting, which was his favorite sport. After four years, William died, and was buried at St. Stephen's Abbey.
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http://www.jeaniesgenealogy.com/2012/08/stephen-and-jane-flanders-of-salisbury.html
Wednesday, August 1, 2012 Stephen and Jane Flanders of Salisbury, Massachusetts
Stephen and Jane "I'm no Indian Princess" Flanders
So, why is it that everyone wants an Indian Princess in their family tree? This is the second one I've found and had to prune her out. Don't get me wrong, I would welcome any genuine Indian heritage that would add a little spice to my seemingly 100% European genetic makeup. But come on, a princess, please! Everyone knows that Indians didn't have princesses. Anyway, here is what I have been able to piece together about Stephen Flanders and his wife Jane, who was not an Indian Princess.
background
The date and place of birth for Stephen Flanders and his wife Jane are unknown. A lot of family "legends" about his origins can be found in books and on the internet if you're interested in searching for them, I however, am trying to stick to the known facts so I'll leave them alone. The only thing I will say is that the name Flanders was found in England at the time, so it is entirely possible that Stephen was English and not Flemish as so many source purport.
jane is a pain in maine
The first documented proof of the Flanders being in America comes in July 1649 when Jane Flanders is accused in the court at Kittery, Maine for abusing her husband and her neighbors. This is found in the records of Gorgeana, Maine. It is written that the constable had a warrant to bring her to the next court. She did not appear again in any Maine Court.
salisbury
The next record of Stephen is in Salisbury, Massachusetts. He was not one of the original proprietors, but he was a listed in 1650 as a Salisbury Commoner. He was taxed in 1652. He received a share of Mr Hall's Farm when it was divided among the men of Salisbury. In 1658 he was a signatory on a church petition. Here is where I am going to jump off and talk about some of the stuff written about Stephen.
crossing the line from fact to fiction
In a book about the Flanders Family written in 1935 Edith Dunbar, the author, crosses the line between genealogical research and guess work. She writes: " we may ask why he took no part in the activities of the Puritan church at Salisbury until this dissension came up, what more obvious answer could there be than that he was a member of the dissenting Party? At a time when the Puritan Church was an organ of government such that "none could have Justice" from the courts, "save such were members," it is easy to understand why anyone not in sympathy with the church would prefer to have his dissension there from pass unnoticed; also, considering the text of the petiton as a member of the dissenting part, his signature would give greater weight to the petition. Of course, we might add that he was averse to assist in paying the board of the council at Samuel Halls. As he was of Flemish origin, it is natural to suppose that he was a Walloon or French Protestant, and this conjecture is substantiated by the fact that the majority of his descendants, from immediate progeny up to the present generations, were and are members of the Baptist or Methodist form of faith.
Well, excuse me for being a Catholic, Stephen! Okay, so what do I dislike about the above statement. In 1658 there are only about 60 or so men in Salisbury, and 50 of them sign the petition, many of them faithful Puritans. These were hardly radical dissenters. In fact in 1667 there are only about 10 men who are actual members of the church. This does not mean that the others are not active members. Everyone had to go to church. In order to become a "member" one had to undergo a severe scrutiny by a panel of church elders regarding their religious convictions. Most men were adverse to such an ordeal. So other than this letter of petition, how does the author know that he did not participate in the church? Why is it natural to assume he was a Walloon? Wallonia was not Flanders, it was the French/German speaking part of Belgium. Besides, the Puritans were quick to run anyone who disagreed with them out of the colony. Obviously this was not a major breach with the church. In fact it was a petition to request a separate church from Amesbury, hardly a crisis of faith. Okay so what I am saying here is that you can't take a few bare facts and mix them up with a family legend and try to read between the lines. Back to the facts. In 1677 Stephen signs yet another church petition, signatories are described as either householders or brethren i.e. church members. Also signing the petition was his son Stephen Jr. Finally in a 1680 Norfolk County Petition he was a signatory along with his sons Stephen Jr., John and Phillip Flanders his sons.
jane
So now how about a little bit about Jane. Oh, Jane, you sound like you were a real piece of work. Jane was not an Indian Princess, she was almost certainly not an Indian, and her name was not Sandusky. There is no tribe of Indians called the Sandusky. There were Indians who lived along the shores of Lake Erie, in what is now Ohio, along the Sandusky River. These Indians were most likely the Erie. Since the word "Sandusky" was not applied to the area until after the mid 1750's, it is not possible to associate it with Jane, who was born in the first quarter of the 17th century, say 1620.
jane does not play well with others
We know that Jane was threatened with court action in Kittery for her behavior, this did not change when she moved to Salisbury. She was in court multiple times for "railing carriages and misbehaviors". She got into name calling spats with her neighbors, they threatened her, she threatened them. She admitted in court to being "distempered in her head". At least twice the court ordered that she be whipped for her deeds. At first glance it would seem that she was a very unpleasant woman, and maybe she was, but maybe she was an overworked, chronically pregnant, stressed out, unhappy woman. Stephen, her husband was also in court for "breach of the peace", maybe he was the source of her unhappiness, who can say. I think we cannot possibly judge this woman based on her court appearances and to say, as some have, that this somehow is proof of her being an Indian is an insult to her, to all Indian women, and to me, smacks of racism. Jane died, whether railing at the world or at peace with God, on November 19, 1683. She was followed by her husband the next year on June 27, 1684.
Stephen and Jane had the following children:
1. Stephen Jr. was born in Salisbury, Mass., March 8, 1646. Married in Salisbury, Mass., Dec. 28, 1670 to Abigail Carter. Stephen Jr. and Abigail Carter had eleven children. Abigail was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Carter 2. Mary, born May 7th, 1650, married Freavor. 3. Phillip, born at Salisbury, Mass., July 14th, 1652. He married a widow, Martha Collins. There appears no record that they ever had any children. 4. Sarah, born in Salisbury, Mass., November 5th, 1654. She married John Newhall. 5. Naomi, born December 15th, 1656. She married Benjamin Eastman 6. John, born February 11th, 1659. Married Elizabeth Sargent, probably the illegitimate daughter of Sarah Osgood and Thomas Sargent. They had nine children.
I think it is interesting that all the children are given good English names and nothing that sounds remotely Dutch. What do you think?
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1. STEVEN1 FLANDERS1 was born Abt. 1620 in England, and died June 27, 1684 in Salisbury, MA. He married JANE Bef. 1647. She died 1683.
Notes for STEVEN FLANDERS:
Sonne to Rob. Flunders of Newbye, buried June 12, 1619.
Children of STEVEN FLANDERS and JANE are:
i. MARY2 FLANDERS, d. May 04, 1650, Salisbury, MA. 2. ii. JR. STEVEN FLANDERS, b. March 08, 1645/46, Salisbury, MA; d. May 29, 1689, Salisbury, MA. 3. iii. MARY FLANDERS, b. May 07, 1650, Salisbury, MA; d. November 11, 1719, Salisbury, MA. iv. PHILLIP FLANDERS, b. July 14, 1652, Salisbury, MA; d. August 27, 1712, Salisbury; m. COLLINS MARTHA EATON, November 04, 1686, Salisbury, MA; b. August 12, 1648, Salisbury, MA; d. April 19, 1734, Salisbury, MA. 4. v. SARAH FLANDERS, b. November 05, 1654, Salisbury, MA; d. January 18, 1716/17. 5. vi. NAOMI FLANDERS, b. December 15, 1656, Salisbury, MA; d. July 24, 1718, Salisbury, MA. 6. vii. JOHN FLANDERS, b. February 11, 1658/59, Salisbury, MA; d. December 24, 1716, Salisbury, MA.
6. JOHN2 FLANDERS (STEVEN1)1 was born February 11, 1658/59 in Salisbury, MA, and died December 24, 1716 in Salisbury, MA. He married ELIZABETH SARGENT1 January 18, 1686/87 in Amesbury, MA, daughter of THOMAS SARGENT and RACHEL BARNES. She was born 1688 in Salisbury, MA, and died September 12, 1713 in Salisbury, MA.
Notes for JOHN FLANDERS:
John was but 17 yrs. old when he took part in the Falls Fight under Capt. William Turner. John and many of his descendants were known as Indian fighters.
Notes for ELIZABETH SARGENT:
It is not certain whether Elizabeth's mother is Rachel Barnes or Sarah Osgood. A court case between Sarah and Thomas proved inconclusive. However, William Osgood mentions his "grand daughter" Elizabeth, wife of John in his will.
Children of JOHN FLANDERS and ELIZABETH SARGENT are:
i. JACOB3 FLANDERS, b. August 05, 1689, Salisbury, MA; m. MERCY CLOUGH. ii. JOHN FLANDERS, b. August 22, 1691, Salisbury, MA; m. SARAH PRINCE. iii. EZEKIEL FLANDERS, b. May 21, 1693, Salisbury, MA; d. January 18, 1716/17, Salisbury, MA. iv. ELIZABETH FLANDERS, b. September 03, 1693, Salisbury, MA; d. October 20, 1716, Salisbury, MA. 15. v. JOSIAH FLANDERS, b. July 28, 1700, Salisbury, MA; d. February 16, 1781, South Hampton, NH. vi. PHILIP FLANDERS, b. October 19, 1702, Salisbury, MA; m. ABIGAIL FRENCH. vii. JONATHAN FLANDERS, b. October 23, 1705, Salisbury, MA; m. JUDITH MERRILL. viii. TAMZEN FLANDERS, b. January 09, 1706/07, Salisbury, MA; m. JR. HENRY FRENCH, January 10, 1725/26; b. February 24, 1702/03, Salisbury, MA. Notes for TAMZEN FLANDERS:
Spelled Tamzin in Ellery Taylor's book.
15. JOSIAH3 FLANDERS (JOHN2, STEVEN1) was born July 28, 1700 in Salisbury, MA, and died February 16, 1781 in South Hampton, NH. He married MEHITABLE OSGOOD December 12, 1724 in Salisbury, MA, daughter of WILLIAM OSGOOD and HANNAH COLBY. She was born April 26, 1706 in Salisbury, MA, and died October 25, 1782 in South Hampton, NH.
Children of JOSIAH FLANDERS and MEHITABLE OSGOOD are:
i. APPHIA4 FLANDERS. ii. THEODATE FLANDERS, b. August 1725, Salisbury, MA. iii. MIRIAM FLANDERS, b. February 02, 1727/28, Salisbury, MA. iv. LOIS FLANDERS, b. April 15, 1730, Salisbury, MA. 24. v. EZEKIEL FLANDERS, b. September 24, 1732, Salisbury, MA. vi. UNIS (EUNICE) FLANDERS, b. March 13, 1734/35, Salisbury, MA. vii. ZEBULON FLANDERS, b. August 15, 1737, South Hampton, NH. viii. RUTH FLANDERS, b. October 25, 1739, South Hampton, NH. ix. TIMOTHY FLANDERS, b. February 25, 1746/47, South Hampton, NH. x. MEHITABLE FLANDERS, b. January 30, 1752, South Hampton, NH.
ix. HANNAH FLANDERS, b. April 16, 1710, Salisbury, MA; m. JOSHUA CLOUGH, March 26, 1731.
24. EZEKIEL4 FLANDERS (JOSIAH3, JOHN2, STEVEN1) was born September 24, 1732 in Salisbury, MA. He married SARAH JONES January 15, 1756 in South Hampton, NH, daughter of JONATHAN JONES and MEHITABLE.
Children of EZEKIEL FLANDERS and SARAH JONES are:
i. ZEBULON5 FLANDERS, b. February 02, 1756, South Hampton, NH. ii. LOIS FLANDERS, b. February 13, 1758, South Hampton, NH; m. PAUL HARDY, April 25, 1778, Amesbury, MA. iii. SARAH FLANDERS, b. May 05, 1760, South Hampton, NH; m. DAVID PAGE, April 24, 1780, Kingston, NH; b. June 26, 1755, Kingston, NH. 31. iv. MOSES FLANDERS, b. June 02, 1762, South Hampton, NH; d. 1840.
31. MOSES5 FLANDERS (EZEKIEL4, JOSIAH3, JOHN2, STEVEN1) was born June 02, 1762 in South Hampton, NH, and died 1840. He married SALLY GOULD 1784 in Henniker, NH. She was born 1765, and died August 31, 1834.
Children of MOSES FLANDERS and SALLY GOULD are:
i. NANCY6 FLANDERS. ii. THOMAS JOHN FLANDERS, b. Warner, NH. iii. RUTH FLANDERS, b. February 16, 1785; d. January 04, 1802, Warner, NH. iv. ASA FLANDERS, b. November 17, 1787. v. SALLY FLANDERS, b. January 01, 1789. 36. vi. MOSES FLANDERS, b. April 06, 1792, Warner, NH; d. January 09, 1869, Chautauqua, NY. vii. JOHN FLANDERS, b. December 04, 1794, Warner, NH. viii. AMOS FLANDERS, b. October 06, 1798, Warner, NH. ix. EZEKIEL FLANDERS, b. January 04, 1800, Warner, NH. 37. x. JOHN GOULD FLANDERS, b. November 17, 1804, Warner, NH; d. March 29, 1874, Warner, NH. xi. WILLIAM GOULD FLANDERS, b. January 21, 1807, Warner, NH.
36. MOSES6 FLANDERS (MOSES5, EZEKIEL4, JOSIAH3, JOHN2, STEVEN1) was born April 06, 1792 in Warner, NH, and died January 09, 1869 in Chautauqua, NY. He married PHEBE PRATT November 16, 1815 in Cambridge, NY, daughter of HIRAM PRATT and RACHEL ALLEN. She was born August 21, 1797 in Cambridge, NY, and died October 17, 1894 in Chautauqua, NY.
Notes for MOSES FLANDERS:
Was a soldier in the War of 1812
Children of MOSES FLANDERS and PHEBE PRATT are:
49. i. HIRAM PRATT7 FLANDERS, b. August 12, 1816, Cambridge, NY; d. May 23, 1901, Bushville, NY. ii. SALLY G. FLANDERS, b. September 25, 1818, Cambridge, NY; d. June 30, 1869, Chautauqua, NY. Notes for SALLY G. FLANDERS:
Never married. iii. ELIZA FLANDERS, b. June 27, 1821, Cambridge, NY; d. July 06, 1893. iv. HARRIET FLANDERS, b. June 09, 1824, Cambridge, NY; d. February 21, 1840. v. HORACE FLANDERS, b. August 22, 1826, Cambridge, NY. vi. WILLIAM HENRY FLANDERS, b. May 26, 1829, Cambridge, NY. vii. CHARLES WESLEY FLANDERS, b. March 23, 1833, Cambridge, NY. viii. MARY K. FLANDERS, b. May 30, 1839, Cambridge, NY; m. FRED TAYLOR.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012 Stephen and Jane Flanders of Salisbury, Massachusetts
Stephen and Jane "I'm no Indian Princess" Flanders
So, why is it that everyone wants an Indian Princess in their family tree? This is the second one I've found and had to prune her out. Don't get me wrong, I would welcome any genuine Indian heritage that would add a little spice to my seemingly 100% European genetic makeup. But come on, a princess, please! Everyone knows that Indians didn't have princesses. Anyway, here is what I have been able to piece together about Stephen Flanders and his wife Jane, who was not an Indian Princess.
background
The date and place of birth for Stephen Flanders and his wife Jane are unknown. A lot of family "legends" about his origins can be found in books and on the internet if you're interested in searching for them, I however, am trying to stick to the known facts so I'll leave them alone. The only thing I will say is that the name Flanders was found in England at the time, so it is entirely possible that Stephen was English and not Flemish as so many source purport.
jane is a pain in maine
The first documented proof of the Flanders being in America comes in July 1649 when Jane Flanders is accused in the court at Kittery, Maine for abusing her husband and her neighbors. This is found in the records of Gorgeana, Maine. It is written that the constable had a warrant to bring her to the next court. She did not appear again in any Maine Court.
salisbury
The next record of Stephen is in Salisbury, Massachusetts. He was not one of the original proprietors, but he was a listed in 1650 as a Salisbury Commoner. He was taxed in 1652. He received a share of Mr Hall's Farm when it was divided among the men of Salisbury. In 1658 he was a signatory on a church petition. Here is where I am going to jump off and talk about some of the stuff written about Stephen.
crossing the line from fact to fiction
In a book about the Flanders Family written in 1935 Edith Dunbar, the author, crosses the line between genealogical research and guess work. She writes: " we may ask why he took no part in the activities of the Puritan church at Salisbury until this dissension came up, what more obvious answer could there be than that he was a member of the dissenting Party? At a time when the Puritan Church was an organ of government such that "none could have Justice" from the courts, "save such were members," it is easy to understand why anyone not in sympathy with the church would prefer to have his dissension there from pass unnoticed; also, considering the text of the petiton as a member of the dissenting part, his signature would give greater weight to the petition. Of course, we might add that he was averse to assist in paying the board of the council at Samuel Halls. As he was of Flemish origin, it is natural to suppose that he was a Walloon or French Protestant, and this conjecture is substantiated by the fact that the majority of his descendants, from immediate progeny up to the present generations, were and are members of the Baptist or Methodist form of faith.
Well, excuse me for being a Catholic, Stephen! Okay, so what do I dislike about the above statement. In 1658 there are only about 60 or so men in Salisbury, and 50 of them sign the petition, many of them faithful Puritans. These were hardly radical dissenters. In fact in 1667 there are only about 10 men who are actual members of the church. This does not mean that the others are not active members. Everyone had to go to church. In order to become a "member" one had to undergo a severe scrutiny by a panel of church elders regarding their religious convictions. Most men were adverse to such an ordeal. So other than this letter of petition, how does the author know that he did not participate in the church? Why is it natural to assume he was a Walloon? Wallonia was not Flanders, it was the French/German speaking part of Belgium. Besides, the Puritans were quick to run anyone who disagreed with them out of the colony. Obviously this was not a major breach with the church. In fact it was a petition to request a separate church from Amesbury, hardly a crisis of faith. Okay so what I am saying here is that you can't take a few bare facts and mix them up with a family legend and try to read between the lines. Back to the facts. In 1677 Stephen signs yet another church petition, signatories are described as either householders or brethren i.e. church members. Also signing the petition was his son Stephen Jr. Finally in a 1680 Norfolk County Petition he was a signatory along with his sons Stephen Jr., John and Phillip Flanders his sons.
jane
So now how about a little bit about Jane. Oh, Jane, you sound like you were a real piece of work. Jane was not an Indian Princess, she was almost certainly not an Indian, and her name was not Sandusky. There is no tribe of Indians called the Sandusky. There were Indians who lived along the shores of Lake Erie, in what is now Ohio, along the Sandusky River. These Indians were most likely the Erie. Since the word "Sandusky" was not applied to the area until after the mid 1750's, it is not possible to associate it with Jane, who was born in the first quarter of the 17th century, say 1620.
jane does not play well with others
We know that Jane was threatened with court action in Kittery for her behavior, this did not change when she moved to Salisbury. She was in court multiple times for "railing carriages and misbehaviors". She got into name calling spats with her neighbors, they threatened her, she threatened them. She admitted in court to being "distempered in her head". At least twice the court ordered that she be whipped for her deeds. At first glance it would seem that she was a very unpleasant woman, and maybe she was, but maybe she was an overworked, chronically pregnant, stressed out, unhappy woman. Stephen, her husband was also in court for "breach of the peace", maybe he was the source of her unhappiness, who can say. I think we cannot possibly judge this woman based on her court appearances and to say, as some have, that this somehow is proof of her being an Indian is an insult to her, to all Indian women, and to me, smacks of racism. Jane died, whether railing at the world or at peace with God, on November 19, 1683. She was followed by her husband the next year on June 27, 1684.
Stephen and Jane had the following children:
1. Stephen Jr. was born in Salisbury, Mass., March 8, 1646. Married in Salisbury, Mass., Dec. 28, 1670 to Abigail Carter. Stephen Jr. and Abigail Carter had eleven children. Abigail was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Carter 2. Mary, born May 7th, 1650, married Freavor. 3. Phillip, born at Salisbury, Mass., July 14th, 1652. He married a widow, Martha Collins. There appears no record that they ever had any children. 4. Sarah, born in Salisbury, Mass., November 5th, 1654. She married John Newhall. 5. Naomi, born December 15th, 1656. She married Benjamin Eastman 6. John, born February 11th, 1659. Married Elizabeth Sargent, probably the illegitimate daughter of Sarah Osgood and Thomas Sargent. They had nine children.
I think it is interesting that all the children are given good English names and nothing that sounds remotely Dutch. What do you think?
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1. STEVEN1 FLANDERS1 was born Abt. 1620 in England, and died June 27, 1684 in Salisbury, MA. He married JANE Bef. 1647. She died 1683.
Notes for STEVEN FLANDERS:
Sonne to Rob. Flunders of Newbye, buried June 12, 1619.
Children of STEVEN FLANDERS and JANE are:
i. MARY2 FLANDERS, d. May 04, 1650, Salisbury, MA. 2. ii. JR. STEVEN FLANDERS, b. March 08, 1645/46, Salisbury, MA; d. May 29, 1689, Salisbury, MA. 3. iii. MARY FLANDERS, b. May 07, 1650, Salisbury, MA; d. November 11, 1719, Salisbury, MA. iv. PHILLIP FLANDERS, b. July 14, 1652, Salisbury, MA; d. August 27, 1712, Salisbury; m. COLLINS MARTHA EATON, November 04, 1686, Salisbury, MA; b. August 12, 1648, Salisbury, MA; d. April 19, 1734, Salisbury, MA. 4. v. SARAH FLANDERS, b. November 05, 1654, Salisbury, MA; d. January 18, 1716/17. 5. vi. NAOMI FLANDERS, b. December 15, 1656, Salisbury, MA; d. July 24, 1718, Salisbury, MA. 6. vii. JOHN FLANDERS, b. February 11, 1658/59, Salisbury, MA; d. December 24, 1716, Salisbury, MA.
6. JOHN2 FLANDERS (STEVEN1)1 was born February 11, 1658/59 in Salisbury, MA, and died December 24, 1716 in Salisbury, MA. He married ELIZABETH SARGENT1 January 18, 1686/87 in Amesbury, MA, daughter of THOMAS SARGENT and RACHEL BARNES. She was born 1688 in Salisbury, MA, and died September 12, 1713 in Salisbury, MA.
Notes for JOHN FLANDERS:
John was but 17 yrs. old when he took part in the Falls Fight under Capt. William Turner. John and many of his descendants were known as Indian fighters.
Notes for ELIZABETH SARGENT:
It is not certain whether Elizabeth's mother is Rachel Barnes or Sarah Osgood. A court case between Sarah and Thomas proved inconclusive. However, William Osgood mentions his "grand daughter" Elizabeth, wife of John in his will.
Children of JOHN FLANDERS and ELIZABETH SARGENT are:
i. JACOB3 FLANDERS, b. August 05, 1689, Salisbury, MA; m. MERCY CLOUGH. ii. JOHN FLANDERS, b. August 22, 1691, Salisbury, MA; m. SARAH PRINCE. iii. EZEKIEL FLANDERS, b. May 21, 1693, Salisbury, MA; d. January 18, 1716/17, Salisbury, MA. iv. ELIZABETH FLANDERS, b. September 03, 1693, Salisbury, MA; d. October 20, 1716, Salisbury, MA. 15. v. JOSIAH FLANDERS, b. July 28, 1700, Salisbury, MA; d. February 16, 1781, South Hampton, NH. vi. PHILIP FLANDERS, b. October 19, 1702, Salisbury, MA; m. ABIGAIL FRENCH. vii. JONATHAN FLANDERS, b. October 23, 1705, Salisbury, MA; m. JUDITH MERRILL. viii. TAMZEN FLANDERS, b. January 09, 1706/07, Salisbury, MA; m. JR. HENRY FRENCH, January 10, 1725/26; b. February 24, 1702/03, Salisbury, MA. Notes for TAMZEN FLANDERS:
Spelled Tamzin in Ellery Taylor's book.
15. JOSIAH3 FLANDERS (JOHN2, STEVEN1) was born July 28, 1700 in Salisbury, MA, and died February 16, 1781 in South Hampton, NH. He married MEHITABLE OSGOOD December 12, 1724 in Salisbury, MA, daughter of WILLIAM OSGOOD and HANNAH COLBY. She was born April 26, 1706 in Salisbury, MA, and died October 25, 1782 in South Hampton, NH.
Children of JOSIAH FLANDERS and MEHITABLE OSGOOD are:
i. APPHIA4 FLANDERS. ii. THEODATE FLANDERS, b. August 1725, Salisbury, MA. iii. MIRIAM FLANDERS, b. February 02, 1727/28, Salisbury, MA. iv. LOIS FLANDERS, b. April 15, 1730, Salisbury, MA. 24. v. EZEKIEL FLANDERS, b. September 24, 1732, Salisbury, MA. vi. UNIS (EUNICE) FLANDERS, b. March 13, 1734/35, Salisbury, MA. vii. ZEBULON FLANDERS, b. August 15, 1737, South Hampton, NH. viii. RUTH FLANDERS, b. October 25, 1739, South Hampton, NH. ix. TIMOTHY FLANDERS, b. February 25, 1746/47, South Hampton, NH. x. MEHITABLE FLANDERS, b. January 30, 1752, South Hampton, NH.
ix. HANNAH FLANDERS, b. April 16, 1710, Salisbury, MA; m. JOSHUA CLOUGH, March 26, 1731.
24. EZEKIEL4 FLANDERS (JOSIAH3, JOHN2, STEVEN1) was born September 24, 1732 in Salisbury, MA. He married SARAH JONES January 15, 1756 in South Hampton, NH, daughter of JONATHAN JONES and MEHITABLE.
Children of EZEKIEL FLANDERS and SARAH JONES are:
i. ZEBULON5 FLANDERS, b. February 02, 1756, South Hampton, NH. ii. LOIS FLANDERS, b. February 13, 1758, South Hampton, NH; m. PAUL HARDY, April 25, 1778, Amesbury, MA. iii. SARAH FLANDERS, b. May 05, 1760, South Hampton, NH; m. DAVID PAGE, April 24, 1780, Kingston, NH; b. June 26, 1755, Kingston, NH. 31. iv. MOSES FLANDERS, b. June 02, 1762, South Hampton, NH; d. 1840.
31. MOSES5 FLANDERS (EZEKIEL4, JOSIAH3, JOHN2, STEVEN1) was born June 02, 1762 in South Hampton, NH, and died 1840. He married SALLY GOULD 1784 in Henniker, NH. She was born 1765, and died August 31, 1834.
Children of MOSES FLANDERS and SALLY GOULD are:
i. NANCY6 FLANDERS. ii. THOMAS JOHN FLANDERS, b. Warner, NH. iii. RUTH FLANDERS, b. February 16, 1785; d. January 04, 1802, Warner, NH. iv. ASA FLANDERS, b. November 17, 1787. v. SALLY FLANDERS, b. January 01, 1789. 36. vi. MOSES FLANDERS, b. April 06, 1792, Warner, NH; d. January 09, 1869, Chautauqua, NY. vii. JOHN FLANDERS, b. December 04, 1794, Warner, NH. viii. AMOS FLANDERS, b. October 06, 1798, Warner, NH. ix. EZEKIEL FLANDERS, b. January 04, 1800, Warner, NH. 37. x. JOHN GOULD FLANDERS, b. November 17, 1804, Warner, NH; d. March 29, 1874, Warner, NH. xi. WILLIAM GOULD FLANDERS, b. January 21, 1807, Warner, NH.
36. MOSES6 FLANDERS (MOSES5, EZEKIEL4, JOSIAH3, JOHN2, STEVEN1) was born April 06, 1792 in Warner, NH, and died January 09, 1869 in Chautauqua, NY. He married PHEBE PRATT November 16, 1815 in Cambridge, NY, daughter of HIRAM PRATT and RACHEL ALLEN. She was born August 21, 1797 in Cambridge, NY, and died October 17, 1894 in Chautauqua, NY.
Notes for MOSES FLANDERS:
Was a soldier in the War of 1812
Children of MOSES FLANDERS and PHEBE PRATT are:
49. i. HIRAM PRATT7 FLANDERS, b. August 12, 1816, Cambridge, NY; d. May 23, 1901, Bushville, NY. ii. SALLY G. FLANDERS, b. September 25, 1818, Cambridge, NY; d. June 30, 1869, Chautauqua, NY. Notes for SALLY G. FLANDERS:
Never married. iii. ELIZA FLANDERS, b. June 27, 1821, Cambridge, NY; d. July 06, 1893. iv. HARRIET FLANDERS, b. June 09, 1824, Cambridge, NY; d. February 21, 1840. v. HORACE FLANDERS, b. August 22, 1826, Cambridge, NY. vi. WILLIAM HENRY FLANDERS, b. May 26, 1829, Cambridge, NY. vii. CHARLES WESLEY FLANDERS, b. March 23, 1833, Cambridge, NY. viii. MARY K. FLANDERS, b. May 30, 1839, Cambridge, NY; m. FRED TAYLOR.
MOSES FLANDERS
Birth: Apr. 6, 1792
Warner
Merrimack County
New Hampshire, USA
Death: Jan. 9, 1869
Son of Moses Flanders & Sally Gould Flanders
War of 1812 Veteran
LOT 001-2 OLD
Family links:
Parents:
Moses Flanders (1762 - 1840)
Sarah Gould Flanders (1765 - 1834)
Children:
Hiram Pratt Flanders (1816 - 1901)*
Sarah G. Flanders (1818 - 1896)*
Harriet Flanders (1824 - 1840)*
William Henry Flanders (1829 - 1864)*
Charles W. Flanders (1833 - 1900)*
*Calculated relationship
Burial:
Magnolia Cemetery
Magnolia
Chautauqua County
New York, USA
Created by: Bev
Record added: Jul 26, 2005
Find A Grave Memorial# 1143009
Birth: Apr. 6, 1792
Warner
Merrimack County
New Hampshire, USA
Death: Jan. 9, 1869
Son of Moses Flanders & Sally Gould Flanders
War of 1812 Veteran
LOT 001-2 OLD
Family links:
Parents:
Moses Flanders (1762 - 1840)
Sarah Gould Flanders (1765 - 1834)
Children:
Hiram Pratt Flanders (1816 - 1901)*
Sarah G. Flanders (1818 - 1896)*
Harriet Flanders (1824 - 1840)*
William Henry Flanders (1829 - 1864)*
Charles W. Flanders (1833 - 1900)*
*Calculated relationship
Burial:
Magnolia Cemetery
Magnolia
Chautauqua County
New York, USA
Created by: Bev
Record added: Jul 26, 2005
Find A Grave Memorial# 1143009
49. HIRAM PRATT7 FLANDERS (MOSES6, MOSES5, EZEKIEL4, JOSIAH3, JOHN2, STEVEN1) was born August 12, 1816 in Cambridge, NY, and died May 23, 1901 in Bushville, NY. He married SALLY ELVIRA WINCHELL January 13, 1842 in Easton, NY (Washington County), daughter of WILLIAM WINCHELL and HULDAH PARIS. She was born February 28, 1820 in Mayville, NY, and died June 07, 1886 in Bushville, NY.
Children of HIRAM FLANDERS and SALLY WINCHELL are:
i. EDWARD W.8 FLANDERS, b. January 01, 1844, Bushville, NY; d. March 02, 1885; m. HARRIET O. PUTNAM. ii. HARRIET F. FLANDERS, b. November 10, 1845, Bushville, NY; d. Batavia, NY; m. DANIEL W. GRIFFES, November 21, 1867, Batavia, NY. iii. AUSTIN H. FLANDERS, b. January 15, 1848. 66. iv. CHARLES RUSSELL FLANDERS, b. August 25, 1849; d. July 21, 1932, Augusta, WI. v. AULINDA A. FLANDERS, b. December 10, 1851, Bushville, NY; d. Batavia, NY; m. EDWARD TURNER SQUIERS, November 14, 1872. vi. WILLIAM WINCHELL FLANDERS, b. February 16, 1854, Bushville, NY. vii. HIRAM PRATT FLANDERS, b. October 19, 1857; m. AUGUSTA LORETTA JOHNSON, June 21, 1893. viii. FREDRICK E. FLANDERS, b. December 12, 1859, Bushville, NY; d. Whittier, CA; m. KITTIE CLARK, June 06, 1880. ix. KATE ELVIRA FLANDERS, b. April 17, 1866, Bushville, NY; d. Batavia, NY.
William Winchell Flanders was born on 16 Feb 1854 in Bushville, NY.. He died on 21 Mar 1908 in Whittier, CA.. He married Bertie Estelle Johnston on 18 Nov 1877. William was counted in a census in 1880 in Perry, PA.. Bertie Estelle Johnston was born on 13 Aug 1857 in PA.. Bertie passed away on April 4, 1945, in Whittier, California, at the age of 87.. She married William Winchell Flanders on 18 Nov 1877.
They had the following children:
M i Ray Johnston Flanders
M ii George Hiram Flanders, D.D.S.
F iii Hazel Estelle or Estella Flanders
Ray is my paternal grandfather.
Born 17 June 1879 • Clarendon, Warren, Pennsylvania, USA
Died 23 June 1966 • Whittier, Los Angeles, California, USA
He married his wife 3c Clara Louise Conger who passed away in 1932 in Whittier, California, at the age of 51.
Children of HIRAM FLANDERS and SALLY WINCHELL are:
i. EDWARD W.8 FLANDERS, b. January 01, 1844, Bushville, NY; d. March 02, 1885; m. HARRIET O. PUTNAM. ii. HARRIET F. FLANDERS, b. November 10, 1845, Bushville, NY; d. Batavia, NY; m. DANIEL W. GRIFFES, November 21, 1867, Batavia, NY. iii. AUSTIN H. FLANDERS, b. January 15, 1848. 66. iv. CHARLES RUSSELL FLANDERS, b. August 25, 1849; d. July 21, 1932, Augusta, WI. v. AULINDA A. FLANDERS, b. December 10, 1851, Bushville, NY; d. Batavia, NY; m. EDWARD TURNER SQUIERS, November 14, 1872. vi. WILLIAM WINCHELL FLANDERS, b. February 16, 1854, Bushville, NY. vii. HIRAM PRATT FLANDERS, b. October 19, 1857; m. AUGUSTA LORETTA JOHNSON, June 21, 1893. viii. FREDRICK E. FLANDERS, b. December 12, 1859, Bushville, NY; d. Whittier, CA; m. KITTIE CLARK, June 06, 1880. ix. KATE ELVIRA FLANDERS, b. April 17, 1866, Bushville, NY; d. Batavia, NY.
William Winchell Flanders was born on 16 Feb 1854 in Bushville, NY.. He died on 21 Mar 1908 in Whittier, CA.. He married Bertie Estelle Johnston on 18 Nov 1877. William was counted in a census in 1880 in Perry, PA.. Bertie Estelle Johnston was born on 13 Aug 1857 in PA.. Bertie passed away on April 4, 1945, in Whittier, California, at the age of 87.. She married William Winchell Flanders on 18 Nov 1877.
They had the following children:
M i Ray Johnston Flanders
M ii George Hiram Flanders, D.D.S.
F iii Hazel Estelle or Estella Flanders
Ray is my paternal grandfather.
Born 17 June 1879 • Clarendon, Warren, Pennsylvania, USA
Died 23 June 1966 • Whittier, Los Angeles, California, USA
He married his wife 3c Clara Louise Conger who passed away in 1932 in Whittier, California, at the age of 51.
