The Belgian city of Diksmuide

Diksmuide on the Ysel was a cloth-making town like Ypres, which it was an outer harbour, situated in the upper North West of Belgium in a Flemish region. It was part of the Hanse in the 13th century but went into subsequent decline.

Like several other Flemish and Brabant towns, Diksmuide has a Bequinage, rebuilt after the 1914-8 war. Founded in the 13th century, these institutions were less strict than regular convents. Single women, could earn a living together spinning wool. They were a cheap source of labour for the cloth industry and less unruly than other workers.

Beguines occupied these convents until the 20th century. Their atmosphere of calm contemplation was a symbol of peaceful religiosity of the Middle Ages and inspired many Belgian painters, poets and writers.

Ramparts at the Lille Gate in Ypres. Ypres sprang up in the 10th century around a fortified castle and in the 12th and the 13th centuries was the centre of the cloth industry.

In 1214, Count Ferrand built an outer wall with moats and several defence works. These ramparts were built by Vauban to serve the ambitions of Louis XIV.

In the 13th century, Ypres drapers built the Cloth Hall next to the belfry. This is the largest civil monument of Medieval Europe. With St. Martin’s church, also from the 13th century and the main square lined with houses of the bourgeoisie, Ypres has a splendid heritage, which had to be completely rebuilt following World War I.

In World War I, German troops crossed the Belgian border near Arlon then marched their way to capture the ports of Dunkerque and Calais. The battle started in October 1914, Belgium and French troops manage to defend the area and prevented the German’s capture. They were heavy Belgium losses and untold damage to the area. The town was reduced to rubble.

By the 1920’s the town was rebuilt. After the War a Piece monument was built called Yser Tower but this was demolished in 1946 because Nazi ceremonies were carried out there. However a new tower was built in 1950’s. There are several war cemeteries in the area including a German cemetery which is a resting place for 25, 000 German soldiers.

Diksmuide is worth a visit not only from its historic point of view but also the wonderful sweeping landscapes, rich silent areas of monuments radiate a tranquil feeling as you wonder through the city.