Editing Limbourg (section)

== Etymology and history ==
{{Quote box |width=22em |align=left |bgcolor=#B0D4DE
|title=Historical affiliations
|fontsize=85% |quote=<poem>{{flagicon image|Lothringen-Nieder.PNG}} [[Duchy of Lower Lorraine]] 1000–1065
{{flagicon image|Arms of the Duke of Limburg.svg}} [[Duchy of Limburg]] 1065–1795
   {{flagicon image|Flag of the Low Countries.svg}} [[Burgundian Netherlands]] 1430–1482
   {{flagicon image|Flag of the Low Countries.svg}} [[Habsburg Netherlands]] 1482–1556
   {{flagicon image|Flag of the Low Countries.svg}} [[Spanish Netherlands]] 1556–1714
   {{flagicon image|Austrian Low Countries Flag.svg}} [[Austrian Netherlands]] 1714–1794
{{flagicon image|Flag of France (1794-1815).svg}} [[French First Republic|French Republic]] 1795–1804
{{flagicon image|Flag of France (1794-1815).svg}} [[First French Empire|French Empire]] 1804–1815
{{flagicon image|Flag of the Netherlands.svg}} [[United Kingdom of the Netherlands|Kingdom of the Netherlands]] 1815–1830
{{flag|Kingdom of Belgium}} 1830–present</poem>
}}
The second part of the name Limbourg is from ''burg'' meaning a fortified town, which is common in many parts of Europe where [[Germanic languages]] are spoken or have been spoken historically (see [[Germanic placename etymology]]). Concerning the first part of the name, there are various theories. One is ''lint'' meaning "dragon". Another is that it refers back to the Roman-era [[Limes (Roman Empire)|limes]], situated at boundaries of the Empire. It may also have been related to the material ''lim'' or [[lime (material)|lime]].<ref>Berkel and Samplonius, "Het Plaatsnamenboek", 1989, Unieboek, Houten</ref> Jean-Louis Kupper has proposed that the fort was named by its founder [[Frederick, Duke of Lower Lorraine|Frederick]] after [[Limburg Abbey]] in Germany, which in his lifetime had important connection to his imperial patrons and the Abbey of Stavelot, for which he was advowee.<ref>Jean-Louis Kupper (2007) Les origines du duché de Limbourg-sur-Vesdre", ''Revue belge de Philologie et d'Histoire''  Année 85-3-4 pp. 609-637 [http://www.persee.fr/doc/rbph_0035-0818_2007_num_85_3_5096]</ref>

Limbourg is located on top of a hill which in its turn is surrounded by the river [[Vesdre]]. This was a strong military advantage in the Middle Ages and allowed the city to defend itself against foreign invaders. In the [[Middle Ages]], the ruling family came to have the rank of duke and so the town was the seat of the [[Duchy of Limburg]], which was a part of the [[Lower Lorraine]] region of the [[Holy Roman Empire]].

The town featured in the [[War of the Spanish Succession]], falling in 1703 to British and Dutch Republican forces led by the [[John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough|Duke of Marlborough]].

The song 'The Fat Lady of Limbourg' on [[Brian Eno]]'s 1974 album '[[Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)]]' describes an asylum in the town which has more patients than there are residents of the town.<ref>DeRogatis, Jim (2004). Turn on Your Mind: Four Decades of Great Psychedelic Rock. Hal Leonard. ISBN 0-634-05548-8.</ref>

<gallery mode=packed>
File:Limbourg, de Vesder in de stad foto9 2017-03-12 14.07.jpg|Limbourg, the [[Vesdre]]
File:Limbourg, chapelle Saint-Anne oeg63046-CLT-0001-01 foto5 2017-03-12 13.42.jpg|The chapel of Saint Anne
Image:Limburg1600.png|Limbourg about 1600
</gallery>