Editing Brasschaat (section)

===Middle Ages===
The first mention of ''Breesgata'', sometimes also spelt ''Brexgata'', dates from 1269.  In 1482, a convent of nuns was founded here, traces of which can still be seen today.  The village of Brasschaat belonged geographically to the [[Campine]] region, but politically and ecclesiastically was part of the Bishopric of Liège until 1569.  At that time, the village had about 4,500 inhabitants and 383 horses.  The end of the 16th century was particularly hard on the population.  In the span of 25 years, the wars between [[Catholics]] and [[Protestants]] greatly reduced <!-- "decimated" means reduced BY 10%, not TO 10%. --> the population to 420 people and 59 horses.  At the end of the [[bubonic plague|plague]] [[pandemic]] that struck the community in 1610, only 26 families were left.  The [[guild]] of [[Anthony the Great|Sint-Antonius]], currently still the oldest local association, was founded in 1667.