Anderlecht is a municipality of the Brussels-Capital Region, located in the Belgian province of Brussels. It is bordered by the City of Brussels, Saint-Gilles, Forest, Ixelles, and Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. The first mention of the name Anderlecht dates from 959 when it was described as a villa or farmstead belonging to the Abbey of Saint-Ghislain.
The early history of Anderlecht
The origins of the town of Anderlecht are very old. The first historical records date from the 9th century, when it was described as a villa or farmstead belonging to the Abbey of Saint-Ghislain. In the early Middle Ages, the town was known for its market, which was held every four days and attracted traders from all over the region. The market was so successful that it was eventually expanded to include a livestock market and a market for second-hand goods.
In the 12th century, the town began to grow rapidly, and by the end of the century, it had a population of around 5,000. This growth was due to the increasing popularity of the market, and the town’s location on the trade routes between Brussels and Bruges. The town’s market was so successful that it was eventually expanded to include a livestock market and a market for second-hand goods.
The town’s prosperity came to an end in the 16th century, when the wool trade declined and the town was hit by a series of fires. The town’s market was destroyed in a fire in 1559, and the town’s defences were badly damaged by a fire in 1583.
Recovery
Anderlecht began to recover in the 17th century, and in 1695 it was given the status of a city. The town’s market was rebuilt in 1698, and the town’s defences were repaired in the early 18th century.
The town continued to grow in the 19th century, and by the end of the century, it had a population of around 35,000. This growth was due to the town’s industrialisation, which began in the early 19th century. The town’s first factory was built in 1802, and by the end of the century, there were over 100 factories in the town.
Modern Anderlecht
The town’s industrialisation led to a growth in population, and by the end of the 19th century, the town had a population of over 100,000. This growth continued in the 20th century, and by the end of the century, the town had a population of over 200,000.
Today, the town is a thriving commercial and industrial centre, with a population of over 200,000. The town’s market is still one of the largest in the region, and it continues to attract traders from all over Europe. Anderlecht is a great city to live in, so consider moving to this rich in history place.
