Lecture: French era in Brabant

The French era did not pass by easily to the Brabanders either and had a great impact. A lot changed between 1794 and 1813. At the request of Heemkundekring ‘t Hof van Liessent, Mr Simon van Wetten from Gemert will give a lecture on this subject.

The lecture will be held in Zaal de Koekoek. Mr Van Wetten is no stranger to the local history society and he also has a lot to tell about this subject. French troops also stayed in the region of Laarbeek, including in the castle of Beek en Donk. All sorts of things happen during a revolution, such as the seizing of castles. There are public executions and the public was welcome to attend. In many ways, the French era represented a break with the past. Everything changed at breakneck speed. Whether it was the hitherto oppressed position of the Brabanders or the first smallpox vaccination, the banning of Catholic processions or the raising of militia guilds, the obligation to buy salt in a state shop and the celebration of the wedding day. In everything, the government suddenly became the regulating factor. At the time, the people of Brabant, including those from Lieshout, watched all the changes with amazement. If you want to feel that astonishment too, come and listen and watch what will be highlighted this evening. The lecture is free of charge, also for non-members of Heemkundekring ‘t Hof van Liessent.