Floreffe

The origins of Postel Abbey can be traced back to around 1140. Fastradus of Utwich, knight but above all a large landowner from the vicinity of 's-Hertogenbosch, decided to donate several pieces of land to the Premonstratensian monastery of Floreffe in Postel, Reusel and Bladel (the last two places are now in the Netherlands). The monastery of Floreffe founded a new monastery on these lands, which was used, among other things, as a refuge for travellers. The chapel of the monastery was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, patron saint of travellers. Perhaps Fastradus had made a mistake and hoped to restore his prestige with this donation. Today, the abbey is still a refuge for travellers and they come in increasing numbers. Postel Abbey has undeniably had a great influence on its surroundings. In addition to the original lands it received around 1140, the monastic community acquired even more land in the following years. Often these were poor soils waiting to be cultivated. Due to its size and activities, the monastery also provided employment outside its walls, for example during the various renovations. The abundance of greenery in the wider area of the abbey is of course not mainly due to the abbey:
The location and quality of the soil were also important factors. Today, you can only rejoice that this green region has partly escaped the bulldozers. At the back of the abbey, however, some pieces of forest have already been eaten away to make way for contemporary cottages.

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