Send Gift Baskets to Wevelgem, Belgium

The first mention dates back to 1197. The Cistercian Goldenberg Abbey owned grain mills in various locations in Wevelgem between the 13th and 14th centuries. Abbess Ida was in charge from c 1278 to 1310, although Marc Brion lists it as a men’s abbey.

De Leie River was an essential part of Wevelgem’s history in the past. Before processing flax in one of the many factories in Wevelgem, the people soaked flax in the river. Due to the golden color of the flax, De Leie also earned the nickname The Golden River. Wevelgem became a popular place for selling flax due to its profitability, which attracted many people. While flax cultivation has declined in importance recently, some factories still process it.

The Germans built an airport during the First World War, and in recent years, the airport has been converted into a private airport. Also remaining is the German Military Cemetery, which is partly located in Menen. Approximately 47,864 soldiers are buried there, all of whom died during World War I, making the cemetery the most significant German cemetery in Belgium. A big bunker and a small bunker near the railway used to be the remains of a (fake) airport across the graveyard, with wooden planes to confuse the enemy. During the Second World War, the bridge connecting Lauwe and Wevelgem was destroyed and rebuilt.