Editing Lokeren (section)

===14th century to 16th century===
Since its inception, Lokeren has been extensively connected with other settlements and places. The city center itself is in fact a major junction of regional roads connecting Lokeren with other important places. From those important roads came branches that today form the basis of the city center.

From the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century, the territory of Lokeren fully belonged to the [[County of Flanders|Count of Flanders]]. However, a number of parts of the city were lent by the count to powerful landowners such as the lords of Herzele, Kokelberge and the lord of Beveren who owned a piece of land on the left side of the Markt with a castle on it. This castle was demolished in the early 17th century after the lord sold the land to the city council. An important event in the 13th century was the establishment of the [[Cistercians|Cistercian]] nunnery on Oudenbos. During the ensuing period, the nuns of the monastery led major excavation works on lands in the vicinity of the monastery. These lands remained in the hands of the sisters until the end of the [[Ancien Régime]]. Other religious institutions, including [[:nl:Abdij van Boudelo|Baudelo Abbey]], [[Drongen Abbey]] and Ter Hagen Monastery, were also active on this territory during the High Middle Ages.