Floreffe

The origin of the Abbey of Postel dates back to around 1140. Fastradus of Utwich, a knight but above all a large landowner from the vicinity of 's-Hertogenbosch, decided to donate several pieces of land in Postel, Reusel, and Bladel (the latter two places are now in the Netherlands) to the Premonstratensian monastery of Floreffe. The Floreffe monastery established a new monastery on that land, which was used as a shelter for travelers. The chapel of the monastery was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of travelers. Perhaps Fastradus had done something wrong and hoped that this donation would restore some of his former status. Today, the abbey still serves as a refuge for travelers, and their numbers are increasing. The Abbey of Postel has undoubtedly had a significant influence on its surroundings. In addition to the original lands it received around 1140, the monastic community acquired even more land in the subsequent years. Often, these were poor lands that were waiting to be developed. Due to its size and activities, the monastery also provided employment beyond its walls, for example during various renovations. The abundant greenery in the vicinity of the abbey is of course not solely due to the abbey itself: the location and quality of the soil were also important factors. Today, one can only be pleased that this green region has partly escaped the bulldozers. However, at the back of the abbey, some patches of forest have already been eaten away to make room for contemporary cottages.

Lannoo