Editing Azores (section)

===Flemish settlers===
The first reference to the island of [[São Jorge Island|São Jorge]] was made in 1439, but the date of discovery is unknown. In 1443, the island was already inhabited, but settlement began only after the arrival of the noble Flemish native [[Willem van der Haegen]]. Arriving at [[Topo (Calheta)|Topo]], São Jorge, where he lived and died, he became known as Guilherme da Silveira to the islanders. [[João Vaz Corte-Real]] received the captaincy of the island in 1483. [[Velas, Azores|Velas]] became a town before the end of the 15th century. By 1490, there were 2,000 Flemings living on the islands of Terceira, Pico, Faial, São Jorge and Flores. Because there was such a large Flemish settlement, the Azores became known as the Flemish Islands or the Isles of Flanders.

Prince Henry the Navigator was responsible for this Flemish settlement. His sister, [[Isabella of Portugal, Duchess of Burgundy|Isabel]], was married to [[Philip the Good]], Duke of Burgundy, Flanders, at the time belonging to Burgundy. There was a revolt against Philip's rule, and disease and hunger became rampant. Isabel appealed to Henry to allow some of the unruly Flemings to settle in the Azores. He granted this and supplied them with means of transport and goods.