Sint-Martens-Bodegem

The Molenbeek-Zuid between Sint-Martens-Bodegem and Sint-Ulriks-Kapelle

Sint-Martens-Bodegem (locally known as: Beugem) is a village and deelgemeente of Dilbeek. It has 2638 inhabitants.

Toponymy

For a long time it was assumed that the mention 'Bodenghem' in the founding charter of the abbey of Affligem applied to Bodegem, but this is nowadays contested because of a possible confusion with the village of Beugem, close to Moorsel. The fact that the town center was founded very early on can however be linguistically proven (Bodegem < Bodingahaim). Another evidence is the division of the field around Bodegem, which follows a mansus-system, which indicates an agricultural exploitation in post-Carolingian times.

History

Middle Ages

Bodegem had during the Middle Ages a dual manor. The manor with lower and middle jurisdiction, including feudal rights on 97% of Bodegem, was a feudatory of the family of Dongelberg. This family was a vassal of the Duke of Brabant. In this manor, the Costume that was used, was that of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. The village lord wore the title "heer IN Bodegem". He held residence in the castle Castelhof.

The Duke of Brabant also had the higher jurisdiction, which he loaned to the lord of Gaasbeek from the 13th century on. He wore the title "heer VAN Bodegem". In this manor, law was spoken according to the Costume of Leuven. Apart from the jurisdiction had rights on 3% of the territory of Bodegem.

The Land Charter of Bodegem, given in 1279 is one of the oldest charters in the Duchy of Brabant. It states the rights and duties of the lord of the villagen.

In 1749, both manors were unified in the Countship of Tirimont.

Attractions

• Sint-Martinus Church: late-gotic church
• The huisje Mostinckx
• The Castelhof

External links

• History of Sint-Martens-Bodegem (Dutch)

Coordinates: 50°51′42″N 4°12′45″E / 50.86167°N 4.21250°E