Kieldrecht
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Kieldrecht
|other_name =
|motto =
|settlement_type = Village
|image_skyline = File:Kieldrecht - Sint-Michielskerk 2.jpg
|image_caption = St Michaels Church
|image_flag =
|image_seal = Blason ville be Kieldrecht.svg
|image_map =
|pushpin_map = Belgium
|pushpin_label_position = right
|pushpin_map_caption = Location in Belgium
|pushpin_mapsize = 250
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_type1 = Region
|subdivision_type2 = Province
|subdivision_type3 = Municipality
|subdivision_type4 =
|subdivision_name = {{flagcountry|Belgium}}
|subdivision_name1 = Flemish Region
|subdivision_name2 = East Flanders
|subdivision_name3 = Beveren
|subdivision_name4 =
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|area_total_km2 = 19.96
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|population_as_of = 2021
|population_total = 4,032
|population_density_km2 = auto
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|timezone = CET
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|coordinates = {{coord|51.2905|4.1722|type:city_region:BE|display=title,inline}}
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Kieldrecht is a village and deelgemeente (sub-municipality) of Beveren in East Flanders, Belgium. Kieldrecht was an independent municipality until 1977, when it merged with Beveren as part of the fusion of municipalities in Belgium. The village is located on the border with the Netherlands, and forms a single urban area with the Dutch village of Nieuw-Namen.{{cite web|url=http://www.waasland.net/Beveren/bezienswaardigheden/kieldrecht.htm |title=Kieldrecht |website=Waasland |access-date=5 May 2022 |language=nl}}
History
Kieldrecht probably originates from the 10th century. In 1156, the priory of {{ill|Hulsterloo|nl}} was established which became a site of pilgrimage. It was destroyed in the 16th century during the Reformation.{{cite web|url=https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/themas/13951 |title=Kieldrecht |website=Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed|access-date=5 May 2022|language=nl}} Hulsterloo is mentioned in the poem Van den vos Reynaerde ({{circa}} 1250) which is set in the area.{{cite web|url=https://www.plaatsengids.nl/nieuw-namen |title=Nieuw-Namen |website=Plaatsengids |access-date=5 May 2022 |language=nl}}
Kieldrecht used to be a dike village whose economy was based on fishing. The land around Kieldrecht was often flooded. In 1805, new dikes were built around the Saaftingepolder, and the area was no longer affected by spring tides. As a border area, it often suffered from wars, and contains few historic buildings. Like neighbouring Doel, a large part of the former municipality has become an industrial zone and is now part of the Port of Antwerp.
The municipality of Kieldrecht was home to 4,083 people in 1974, and covered an area of {{convert|19.48|km2}}. In 1977, Kieldrecht was merged into Beveren and became a deelgemeente.{{cite web|url=https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/themas/13197 |title=Beveren |website=Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed|access-date=5 May 2022|language=nl}}
Sights
The St Michaels Church was first mentioned in 1238. During the Eighty Years' War it was used as a sconce by the Dutch States Army against the Spanish troops. In 1711, a new single aisled church was built, and in 1788, a new tower was added. In 1854, the church was extensively modified into the current three aisled church.{{cite web |url=https://www.beveren.be/inwoners/vrije-tijd/toerisme/bezienswaardigheden/kerken |title=Kerken |website=Beveren via Archive.org |access-date=5 May 2022 |language=nl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608135853/https://www.beveren.be/inwoners/vrije-tijd/toerisme/bezienswaardigheden/kerken |archive-date=8 June 2020 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/17372 |title=Parochiekerk Sint-Michiel |website=Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed|access-date=5 May 2022|language=nl}}
Nature
The Grote Geule is a nature area near Kieldrecht. It is a complex of creeks which developed after the land was flooded. It contains slightly brackish water. The nature area attracts birds like the western marsh harrier and bluethroat, and is an important winter area for geese and ducks. The Grote Geule is protected since 2003 and measures {{convert|22|ha}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.panneweel.be/index.php/natuur-maken-en-beleven/natuurgebieden/58-grote-geule |title=Grote Geule - Kieldrecht |website=Panneweel |access-date=5 May 2022 |language=nl}}
Notable people
- Theo Middelkamp (1914–2005), road cyclist and former world champion. Born in Nieuw-Namen, but lived in Kieldrecht for most of his life.{{cite web|url=https://www.waaskrant.be/sport/wielersport/2535-wereldkampioen-theo-middelkamp-overleden |title=Wereldkampioen Theo Middelkamp overleden |website=Waaskrant |access-date=5 May 2022 |language=nl}}
- Frans Pauwels (1918–2001), racing cyclist{{cite web|url=http://www.cyclingarchives.com/coureurfiche.php?coureurid=3372 |title=Frans Pauwels |website=Cycling Archives |access-date=5 May 2022 |language=nl}}
Gallery
File:Kieldrecht - Pastorie 1.jpg|Clergy house
File:Langsschuur Oud Arenberg 88A Beveren Belgium.jpg|Barn Oud Arenberg
File:Kieldrechtse Watergang.jpg|Kieldrechtse Watergang in the Grote Geule
File:Antwerp Euroterminal NV during sunset civil twilight in Kieldrecht, Belgium (DSCF3937).jpg|Antwerp Euroterminal
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Commons category|position=left}}
{{Belgian municipality Beveren}}
{{Authority control}}