Oostwinkel

In Oudenaarde, terrible scenes took place in 1572 that have a link with Oostwinkel. The Reformed at that time did not shy away from openly challenging the Spanish government. In 1572, the forest beggars led by Jacob Blommaert took the city of Oudenaarde. With the support of Orange, they installed a Calvinist city government. According to legend, they tied Catholic priests to their hands and feet, and threw them into the Scheldt. When Alva arrived a month later, Blommaert's supporters fled. The leader of the forest beggars was surrounded by the Spaniards and died an inglorious death here in Oostwinkel. Blommaert was murdered in Oostwinkel on 4 October 1572. The hideout he is in is set on fire. His army returns to the vicinity of Oudenaarde after wandering and terrorizes the Spaniards from the forests near Korsele. Their descendants, loyal Calvinists, now form the inhabitants of the Geuzenhoek.

eos - maandblad over wetenschap