Grobbendonk


Grobbendonk is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Antwerp. The municipality comprises the towns of Bouwel and Grobbendonk proper. In 2021, Grobbendonk had a total population of 11,249. The total area is 28.36 km2.
The official flag of Grobbendonk was adopted in 1989. In terms of heraldry, the flag is quartered, I and IV argent, three hills vert, a bird sable, II and III gules three fleur-de-lis argent.

History

Lordship Grobbendonk

Grobbendonk was known as Ouwen till it was renamed Grobbendonk in about the mid 18th century. This was the name of the Lordship Grobbendonk, centered on Grobbendonk Castle. In 1545 Erasmus II Schetz became Lord of Grobbendonk. In 1602, his grandson Anthonie II Schetz became the first Baron of Grobbendonck. In 1637, the lords of Grobbendonk became counts of Grobbendonk. In 1726, the dukes of Ursel also became hereditary Count of Grobbendonk.
The French Revolution cancelled the feudal system. It made that in most cases a Heerlijkheid became an almost insignificant title. One of the later lords of Grobbendonk was Marie Joseph Charles, 6th Duke d'Ursel. The head of the house of Ursel is still lord of Grobbendonk.

Famous inhabitants