Bishoprick of Liege Limburg and part of Gelderland on Germany Luxemburg on France and Germany Namur the Marquisate and Mechlin are Midland Provinces The Government of these Provinces should be all under the Spaniards Government but at present they have only Namur the Marquisate nigh three quarters of Brabant nigh half of Limburg and Flanders and a quarter of Hainault with some of Gelderland The French have Artois Luxemburg Cambray three quarters of Hainault a third part of Flanders and a quarter of the Bishoprick of Liege The Hollanders have above half of Limburg above a quarter of Brabant a sixth part of Flanders and a small part of the Bishoprick of Liege The Bishop of Liege has nigh three quarters of that Provice 1. Earldom of FLANDERS FLanders has on the East Bounds Brabant on the West or North-west the Ocean on the North Zealand and on the South and South-East Artois and Hainault It is in length about 90 miles and in breadth 60. It is a very fine and rich Country Quality and accounted the Noblest Earldom in all Christendom and is in most places exceeding fertile and withal so populous that the whole may be reckoned but as one City It has in it 35 Cities or Walled Towns and 1178 Villages The chief City of the whole is Ghent The chief Rivers are 1. Scheld Rivers which here washes Tournay Oudenard Ghent and Antwerp and soon after falls into the Sea 2. Lys which here washes Armentiers and Courtray and falls into the Scheld at Ghent 3. Dender which washes Geersberg Nienove and Aelst falls into the Scheld at Dendermond 4. Scharp which washes Doway and St. Amand and falls into the Scheld The Towns in this Province are thus situated Scituation of the Towns viz. 1. Hulst the most N. Western Town of Note nigh Brabant 2. Axel five miles West of Huâ—st 3. Sas van Ghent six miles nigh West of Axel 4. Ysendick nine miles N. West of the Sas. 5. Ardenburg seven miles S. West of Ysendick 6. Sluys four miles nigh West of Ardenburg These are all under the Hollanders 7. Bruges 10 miles South West of Sluys 8. Ostend on the Sea 11 miles West of Bruges 9. Nieuport or Newport by the Sea nine miles S. West of Ostend 10. Dixmude nine miles S. East of Nieuport 11. Ghent the Metropolis 34 miles East of Dixmude on the Scheld and 28 N. West of Brussels 12. Dendermond 12 miles East of Ghent on the Scheld 13. Aelst or Alost six miles South of Dendermond nigh Brabant 14. Nienove six miles South of Aelst 15. Geersberg four miles S. West of Nienove 16. Oudenard 11 miles West of Geersberg on the Scheld 17. Courtray or Cortryck 17 miles West of Oudenard These are all under the Spaniards 18. Ypres 15 miles West of Courtray 19. Dunkirk 23 miles nigh West of Ypres on the Sea 20. Graveling 10 miles S. West of Dunkirk nigh France and the Sea 21. Wynoxberg 12 miles East of Graveling 22. Cassel 10 miles S. East of Wynoxberg 23. Armentiers 18 miles nigh East of Cassel on the Leye 24. Lille or Rissell six miles nigh East of Armentiers 25. Tournay or Dornick 14 miles East of Lille on the Scheld 26. St. Amand 11 miles South of Tournay on the Scharp 27. Doway 15 miles S. West of St. Amand on the Scharp These are all under the French Ghent GHent Description of the chief Towns or Gaunt the chief City of this Province commodiously seated on the Banks of the Rivers Scheld and Leye which run through it and divide it into 26 Islands which are joyned together with 98 Bridges It is accounted one of the largest Cities in the Low-Countrys being seven miles in Compass within the Walls but now rather decays than encreases It is well Walled and Trenched about and the private Buildings are for the most part fair and stately and the Streets handsome and clean kept It has seven Churches and 55 Religious Houses The Cathedral is a most stately Structure and the Tower Bellefort is above 400 Steps high The Castle which is the Princes Palace contains three hundred Chambers The Cittadel consists of four Bastions which are but little and look on one side upon the City and on the other towards the Fields and tho' this Fortress be of a regular form yet it is not so convenient as many others in these parts The Trade of this place consists besides Corn in Cloths Stuffs and Silks of which there are so great quantity made that among the Fifty Companies of Tradesmen those relating to Commodities of this nature make one third Bruges BRuges or Brugge the Second City in Flanders so called from the multitude of Bridges It is situated in a large Plain about Eight miles from Sea and the Walls on the inside are somewhat above four miles in Compass the City being of a round form and well Walled and Fortified with Works of Earth and deep Ditches The River Rey runs through it with a muddy and heavy stream The City it self is exceeding neat tolerably populous and very well built many of the Houses being four or five and some six Stories high It is one of the most considerable places that the Spaniards have left and notwithstanding it comes vastly short of its former Trade it may well challenge place among the Cities of the Second rate in Europe The Market place has a Commodious and Pleasant Situation being the Centre where six of the principal Streets running from as many of the chief Gates of the City are terminated Here are Seven Parish Churches that of St. Johns is Cathedral 60 Religious Houses and three Colleges of Canons and also a fine College for the Jesuites The Chief Trade of this place is now in Spanish-Wool It stands 24 miles nigh West of Ghent Doway DOway or Dovay is a remarkable place under the French on the Borders of Artois and Hainault It is situated upon the River Scharpe and is of considerable Strength and has a fine Magazine very well furnished It is likewise considerable for its extent ancient Buildings September Fair and Traffick upon the Scheld but more especially for being an University and a Seminary for the English Roman Catholicks The Fort stands about a Cannon-shot below the Town upon the Scharpe and judged by its situation among Marshes by means of its Sluces whereby it can drown all the Country about to be impregnable The chief Trade of this Place consists in fine Woolen-Camlets sent into many Parts It stands 56 miles almost South of Ghent and 34 West of Mons. The next places here discribed are the Five Ports Five Ports of Flanders viz. Dunkirk Ostend Nieuport Sluys and Graveling Dunkirk DVnkirk or Duynskerke is a very considerable Place of the French seated on the Sea and judged to be about the bigness of Cambridge Beyond the Old Town there have been since it came into the Hands of the French great Works drawn which augment the Town above one half There is
Situation between Brabant Flanders Holland and Zealand and the greatest part of the Country about it lies very low and is Habitable only by Banks It is certainly at present a place of exceeding Strength for besides its Wall and Trench it is provided of Half Moons Hornworks and other Structures of Defence contrived by such as are most Skilful in the Art of Fortification The Buildings of the Town are very fair and handsome and its three Market Places are large and capacious Amongst the Edifices the Church of St. Lambert and the Marquesses Palace deserves Observation This Town stands Forty two Miles North of Brussels and Eighteen of Antwerp Gemblours GEmblours a Frontier Town of the Spaniards on the Borders of Namur situated upon the steep of an Hill being environ'd by Precipices and deep Vallies on all sides but towards the East which it is overtop'd by the highest point of the said Hill at the Foot whereof runs the small River Lorn This Town is but small and is most remarkable for the famous Abby of St. Benedict the Abbot whereof is Temporal as well as Spiritual Lord of the Town This Town stands 20 Miles South-West of Brussels Niville NIville another Spanish Frontier on the Borders of Hainault It is but a small place but well fortified and enjoys several ample Priviledges It is most remarkable for the famous Nunnery and the great Quantities of fine Linnen Cloth said to equal that of Cambray This Town stands 13 Miles South of Brussels 6. The MARQUISATE THe Marquisate of the Holy Emperor Bounds is a very small Province accounted one of the Four Quarters or Tetrarchies of Brabant bounded on the West with Flanders from which separated by the River Scheld and on all other sides by Brabant It is much smaller than it was formerly not being above seven Miles long and four broad yet it is reckoned a distinct Province from the rest of the Netherlands The Chief Rivers are Rivers 1. Scheld which washes Antwerp and divides this Province from Flanders and then Brabant from Flanders 2. Schynt which also runs by Antwerp and there falls into the Scheld The chief and only place of Note in this Province is Antwerp Situation of the Town the Metropolis of all these Provinces It stands on the River Scheld on the Borders of Flanders 22 Miles North of Brussels and 75 South of Amsterdam it is now under the subjection of the Spaniards I find no Villages in this Province Antwerp ANtwerp was formerly one of the most famous places in Europe Description of the Town and still a Noble City deservedly counted the chief of these Provinces It is nigh eight Miles in Circuit and is compared to a Bow the string of which is represented by the River Scheld on which it stands It is encompassed with vast strong and beautiful Walls being 110 Foot broad on the top upon which are four or five Rows of Linden Trees regularly planted the Walls themselves being excellently faced with Stone having eight strong Bulwarks contrived with great Art for mutual Defence and 13 fine Gates for entrance The Streets are straight and large and the Buildings more Stately and Magnificent for Beauty equalling if not surpassing any in all Europe On the South side of the City stands the Cittadel an incomparable Work about a Mile in Compass It is a Pentagon composed of five Royal Bastions the best contrived of all Modern Fortifications commanding both City and Country To describe all the Churches publick Buildings c. would take a Volume For matter of Trade it once surpassed any place in the World but now much declined though still of vast resort by reason of the excellent River which bears Ships of the greatest Burthen close up to the very shore 7. Seigneury of MECHLIN MEchlin Bounds or Malines is another very small Province bounded on every side with Brabant and is nigh the middle of it though not far off the Borders of Flanders It is in length about eight Miles and in breadth six It is a distinct Province from the rest and Residence for the Parliament for these Countries but has not those Priviledges that Brabant has for that Reason the Women here when they are ready to Lie-in go into Brabant to be brought to Bed that their Children may enjoy their Priviledges In the compass of this Province lies one City Situation of the Town or Walled Town and nine Villages The City is called Mechlin on the River Demer fourteen Miles almost North East of Brussels and as many South East of Antwerp and under the Spaniards Chief Rivers are 1. Demer Rivers which runs through the middle and washes Mechlin and then into Brabant and falls into the Scheld 2. Senne which here falls into the Demer To this Province is usually joyned by Geographers the Dukedom of Aerschot Duke of Aerschot lying Eastward of Mechlin about thirteen Miles long and four broad The Chief Place is Aerschot thirteen Miles East of Mechlin on the Demer under the Spaniards Mechlin MEchlin Desoription of the Towns or Malines is very commodiously seated on the River Demer which runs through the midst of it dividing the City into divers Islands which are united in several Places by a great number of Bridges It is a place of considerable Strength being Fortified with good Walls but much more defenseable by Reason of its own level Situation and the flatness of the adjoyning Country which upon every little occasion may be laid under Water The Houses are very neatly built and considerable both for Beauty and largeness of Structure It is divided into seven Parishes each of which have a Magnisicent and Stately Church that of St. Rumbald being Chief having a very lofty Tower The Chief Trade of this Place consists in Tanning making of Linnen Cloth and casting great Artillery and Bells 8. Bishoprick of LIEGE LIege Bounds has on the East Limburg and Juliers in Germany on the West and North Hainault Namur and Brabant and on the South Luxembourg It is part of the Westphalian Circle in Germany though annexed to these Provinces and is in length about 74 Miles and in breadth 35. The Soil is very fruitful Quality producing great plenty of Fowl and Venison Mines of Lead and Iron with large Quarries of Marble of all sorts and Alablasters which very much enriches this Country It has in it 24 Cities or Walled Towns and 1800 Villages The Chief City is Liege Chief Rivers are 1. Maes Rivers which here washes Dinant Hoey Liege Maestricht Stochem and Maeseyck and runs into Gelderland 2. Demer which here washing Bilsen and Huffelt runs into Brabant 3. Jecker which washes Tongres and falls into the Maes at Maestricht 4. Wesdret which washes Viviers and falls into the Maes at Liege The Towns in this Province are thus situated Situation of the Towns 1. Hamont the most North Town 2. Peer nine Miles South-West of Hamont 3. Brey seven Miles East of Peer 4.
part of this Province and runs into Hainalt The Cities or Walled Towns are here but three in Number and are thus situated 1. Cambray 58 Miles South-East of Brussels on the Scheld 2. Crevecoer five Miles South of Cambray on the Scheld 3. Chateau Cambreses 12 Miles East of Crevecoer on the Selle These are all under the French Cambray CAmbray Description of the Town or Camerick is the Chief City in this Province by the Borders of Hainault It is situated upon the River Scheld which runs through it and fills all its Ditches It is said to be of greater Importance than almost any other in the Low-Countries being regularly fortified with Ramparts Bastions Half-Moons and two good Forts and is commanded by a Citadel of Square Figure and is moreover placed in a most advantagious Situation having on the West-side and in a low bottom exceeding large Suburbs with delicate Meadows and Gardens lying all along the River The private Buildings are very fair and the publick much fairer It contains nine Parishes and has three Abbies with a great Number of Religious Houses besides Hospitals and other publick Buildings Here are many Rich Merchants and the principal Trade consists in making that fine Linnen called Cambrick It stands 32 Miles South-West of Mons and 94 North of Paris BEcause Calais is a Frontier Town and a place of great Importance I think it will be convenient to give a Description of it though it be in no part of Flanders Calais CAlais or Calis a very strong Town in the Province of Picardy in France once belonging to the English and held by them 210 years but regained by the French in the Reign of Queen Mary the loss of which grieved her so much as it was thought the cause of her death It is very advantagiously situated for Defence nigh the Sea now very strongly fortified after the Modern Fashion with an impenitrable Wall and Bastions of Earth a deep Trench full of Water to the Landward and a large Cittadel The Wall and Cittadel were built about 65 years since The old Stone-Wall and Ditch are still remaining but enclosed with the new The Town is somewhat bigger than Dover in England from which it stands opposite and is very populous and well frequented by reason of its being the immediate Port from England and for that Reason called the Key of France It hath a large square Piazza or Market-Place wherein are two great Markets weekly kept the one on Tuesdays the other on Saturdays The Government is by a Mayor and four Eschevins chosen annually by the Burgesses or Freemen An INDEX of all the Provinces Cities Towns Forts Rivers c. in Flanders or the Spanish Netherlands Shewing the Cities Forts c. in what Province they are to what Prince they are subject the Page and Figure that refer to them in the Book their Longitude and Latitude according to T. de Wets Maps the first Meridian beginning at Teneriff And also all the several ways of spelling of them to avoid mistakes Designed for the speedy finding of any place and may serve for a Geographical Dictionary for these Parts A. AA a River in the Province of Brabant mentioned Pag. 39. Fig. 4. Aa another River in the Provinces of Artois and Flanders mentioned pag. 22. and fig. 3. Aalst or Alost See Aelst Aath. See Ath. Aelst Aalst or Alost a Town in the Province of Flanders belonging to the Spaniards mentioned pag. 18. fig. 13. Lon. 23. 19. Lat. 51. 1. Aerdenburg See Ardenburg Aerschot or Aschot a Town in the Province of Brabant here joyned to Mechlin under the Spaniards mentioned pag. 51. Lon. 24. 10. Lat. 51. 4. Aire or Arien a Town in the Province of Artois subject to the French mentioned pag. 23. fig. 4. and described pag. 25. Lon. 21. 30. Lat. 50. 43. Alost or Aalst See Aelst St. Amand a Town in the Province of Flanders belonging to the French mentioned pag. 9. fig. 26. Lon. 22. 38. Lat. 50. 29. Antwerpe Antwerpen or Anvers the Metropolis of the Marquisate and of all these Provinces under the Spaniards mentioned and described pag. 48. Lon. 23. 36. Lat. 51. 16. Ardenburg or Aerdenburg a Town in the Province of Flanders under the Hollanders mentioned pag. 8. fig. 5. Lon. 22. 36. Lat. 51. 22. Arleux a Town in the Province of Hainault under the French not here mentioned Lon. 22. 32. Lat. 50. 20. Arien See Aire Arlon a Town in the Province of Luxemburg under the French mentioned pag. 64. fig. 5. Lon. 25. 12. Lat. 49. 45. Armentiers a Town in the Province of Flanders belonging to the French mentioned pag. 9. fig. 23. Lon. 22. 6. Lat. 50. 46. Armiers a Town in the Province of Hainault under the French mentioned pag. 28. fig. 18. Lon. 23. 6. Lat. 50. 15. Atras or Atrecht the Metropolis of Artois a B. under the French mentioned pag. 23. fig. 10. Lon. 21. 58. Lat. 50. 19. described pag. 23. and 24. ARTOIS one of the Ten Provinces under the French described pag. 22. c. Ascot See Aerschot Astenay See Stenay At h or Aath a Town in the Province of Hainault belonging to the Spaniards mentioned pag. 27. Fig. 2. Lon. 23. 3. Lat. 50. 47. Atrecht See Arras Avesnes a Town in Hainault under the French mentioned pag. 28. fig. 20. Lon. 23. 12. Lat. 50. 10. Axel a Town in the Province of Flanders belonging to the Hollanders mentioned pag. 8. fig. 2. Lon. 23. 6. Lat. 51. 21. B. BApaume a Town in the Province of Artois under the French mentioned pag. 23. fig. 12. Lon. 22. 5. Lat. 50. 8. Bastoigne or Bastonach a Town in the Province of Luxemburg mentioned pag. 64. fig. 2. Lon. 25. 12. Lat. 50. 5. Bavay a Town in the Province of Hainault under the French mentioned pag. 28. fig. 15. Lon. 34. 4. Lat. 50. 24. Beaumont a Town in the Province of Hainault subject to the French mentioned pag. 28. fig. 17. Lon. 23. 28. Lat. 50. 17. Beer or Peer a Town in the Bishoprick of Liege under that Bishop mentioned pag. 54. fig. 2. Lon. 24. 42 Lat. 51. 12. Bergen See Mons. Bergen op Zome a Town on Province of Brabant under the Hollanders mentioned pag. 39. fig. 6. Lon. 23. 32. Lat. 51. 32. Bervine a River in the Province of Limburg mentioned pag. 60. Bethune a Town in the Province of Artois under the French mentioned pag. 23. fig. 6. Lon. 21. 42. Lat. 50. 37. Bilsen a Town in the Bishoprick of Liege subject to that Bishop mentioned pag. 54. fig. 10. Lon. 24. 41. Lat. 50. 54. Binch a Town in the Province of Hainault under the French mentioned pag. 28. fig. 9. Lon. 23. 26. Lat. 50. 27. Boilleduc Bolduc Bosch St. Hertogen Bosch or Shertogen Bosch a Town in the Province of Brabant under the Hollanders mentioned pag. 39. fig. 4. and described pag. 43. Lon. 24. 29. Lat. 51. 42. Bouchain a Town in the Province of Hainault under the French mentioned pag. 28. fig. 13. Lon. 22. 33.
number of Inhabitants It is strengthned by a Castle called Pamele which is joyned to the Town by a fair Bridge but it s being commanded by a very high Hill towards the North East takes away very much from its Strength This Town stands sixteen Miles South of Ghent Dixmude DIxmude or Dixmuyde is another of the Frontier Towns of the Spaniards against the French Situated upon the Confluence of the River Ypres and another Nameless Stream It is not very large but is reckoned a place of great Strength and Importance to the Spaniards though it has been often in the Possession of the French This Town stands between Ghent and Dunkirk Thirty four Miles from the former and Twenty from the latter 2. Earldom of ARTOIS ARtois has on the East Bounds Hainault Cambray and part of Flanders on the West and South Picardy in France and on the North and North-East Flanders It is in length about 70 Miles and in breadth 40. It is exceeding fruitful in all sorts of Corn Quality but more particularly of Wheat which it produces in such a Measure that this Province serves as a Granary to a great part of Flanders and Brabant It has in it 12 Cities or Walled Town and 754 Villages Chief City of the whole is Arras The chief Rivers are Rivers 1. Scharpe which here washes Arras and runs into Flanders nigh Doway 2. Lys which here washes Aire and St. Venand and runs into Flanders 3. Aa which here washes Reutly and St. Omars and runs into Flanders 4. Canche washing Hesden and runs into France The Towns in this Province are thus situated Situation of the Towns viz. 1. Liques the most Northern place of Note nigh the Borders of France 2. St. Omars 8 Miles nigh East of Liques on the Aa 3. Reutly 12 Miles nigh South-West of St. Omars on the Aa 4. Dire or Drien 12 Miles East of Reutly on the Lys. 5. St. Venant five Miles East of Dire on the Lys and Borders of Flanders 6. Bethune eight Miles South of Venant 7. Pernes seven Miles West of Bethune 8. Hesdin 15 Miles South-West of Pernes on the Cauche 9. Lens 25 Miles East of Hesdin 10. Arras the Metropolis nine Miles South of Lens on the Scharpe and 70 Miles South-West of Brussels 11. Pas 13 South-West of Arras on the Borders of France 12. Bapaume 15 Miles East of Pas on the Borders of France These are all under the French Arras ARras or Atrecht Description of the chief Towns is the chief City in this Province seated on the River Scharpe and is a place of large Circumference and well peopled It consists of two distinct Towns formerly parted by a Wall but now demolished called by the Names of La Citte and La Ville the former in a special manner subject to the Bishop the later to the Secular Prince Both are very strongly fortified with good Bulwarks deep and broad tho' dry Ditches The Streets are broad and fair adorned with a spacious Market-Place The Citizens Houses are very commodiously built having deep and large Rooms under Ground intended at first as places of Retreat in time War Here is a beautiful Cathedral a very wealthy Abbey and a strong Castle The Chief Trade of this Place consists in making of vast quantities of Rich Tapestries and Arras Hangings Says and many such like Commodities St. Omars ST Omars or St. Omer is the second City in this Province situated upon the River Aa by the Borders of Flanders It is well Fortified with Walls Bastions Half-Moons Ditches Marshes and Lakes in the latter are certain little floating Islands affording good Pasture for Cattle and shelter for Fish which in great numbers seek Covert under them in the extremity of Heat and Cold. The Riches of the Inhabitants the Canal for Commerce called the New Fosse the Abby of St. Bertin and more especially the English Seminary of Jesuits have render'd it a place of publick Note and of no common Fame throughout the World It stands 36 Miles North West of Arras Aire AIre or Arien is situated upon the River Lys and is a very strong Place being environ'd on three sides by a moorish level and Fortified with good Ditches Bastions Half-Moons Redoubts Hornworks and Counterscarps It can be closely Besieged but on one side and there it is defended by a strong Forress called Fort St. James having five Bastions two Half-Moons and a deep Trench This Place was taken last by the French Anno 1676 and stands 28 Miles North West of Arras Hesdin HEsdin or Hesdin-fert situated upon the River Canchee It was built by Charles the Fifth in the year 1554 nigh the place where old Hesdin stood but enjoys a far better Situation and is now a very regular Hexagon so well contrived and Fortified that it is esteemed one of the strongest Holds in all the Countries yet was it taken by the French in the space of six Weeks This Town stands nigh the Borders of France 26 Miles nigh West of Arras 3. Earldom of HAINAULT HAinault Bounds or Henegow has on the East Namur and the Bishoprick of Liege on the West Flanders and Artois on the North Flanders and Brabant and on the South France and the Archbishoprick of Cambray It is in length about 70 Miles and in breadth 65. It aboundeth in most Places with fresh Meadows Quality and sweet Pastures good Fruits and profitable Trees and especially with great plenty of Corn. It has 24 Cities or Walled Towns 950 Villages four Principalities three Marquisates and 15 Counts The chief City is Mons. Chief Rivers are Rivers 1. Sambre which here washes Landrechies Armiers and Maubeuge runs into Namur 2. Scheld which here washes Bouchain and Valenciennes runs into Flanders 3. Haisâ—e which washes Binch and Mons falls into the Scheld nigh Conde 4. Dender which here washes Leuse At h and Lessines and runs into Flanders The Towns in this Province are thus situated Situation of the Towns 1. Lessines the most Northern Town of Note nigh Flanders on the Dender 2. At h four Miles South of Lessines on the Dender 3. Enghien ten Miles East of Ath. 4. Halle nigh Brabant Eight Miles East of Enghien on the Senne 5. Braine le Comte seven Miles nigh South of Halle 6. Seignes three Miles South West of Brain le Comte on the Senne 7. Roecles five Miles South of Soignes 8. Fontane twelve Miles South East of Roecles These are all under the Spaniards 9. Binch seven Miles West of Fontane 10. Mons the Metropolis eight Miles West of Binch on the Haisne and Trulle and Twenty seven South West of Brussels 11. Conde thirteen Miles West of Mons on the Scheld 12. Valenciennes six Miles nigh South West of Conde on the Scheld 13. Bouchain ten Miles South West of Valenciennes on the same River 14. Quesnoy fifteen Miles East of Bouchain 15. Bavay ten Miles almost North East of Quesnoy 16. Maubeuge seven Miles nigh East of Bavay on the Sambre
17. Beaumont nine Miles East of Maubeuge 18. Ameries fifteen Miles South West of Beaumont on the Sambre 19. Landrechies seven Miles South West of Ameries on the same River 20. Avesnes seven Miles East of Landrechies 21. Lyesses six Miles East of Avesnes 22. Chimay ten Miles East of Lyesses 23. Marienburg ten Miles nigh East of Chimay 24. Phillipville seven Miles North of Marienhurg These are all under the French Mons. MOns Description of the Chief Towns Monts or Berghen is the Chief City in this Province and one of the principal throughout the Low-Countries It stands upon a higher Ground but with a gentle Ascent except one corner of it which is very high upon which lies a spacious Plain a place used for Games and Pastimes affording a most delicate prospect This place is wonderfully strong by its very Situation the Country round about being easily overflown for a great space by the Waters of the Haisne and Trulle nigh the confluence of which two Rivers the City stands the latter of these two cutting it through on the lower side It is surrounded by a very good Stone Wall with a threefold broad Ditch and is defended by a strong Castle The Buildings of the Town are both Stately and Beautiful the Streets being large and the Market-place spacious and scarce any place is better provided of Conduits which continually supply the Inhabitants with Water Here is a famous College of Cannonesses who have free leave to depart and Marry when they shall think fit This is also a place of good Trade which consists in divers Commodities and Manufactures especially in Sayes Grograms and such like Ualenciennes VAlenciennes is a French Frontier the second in this Province It stands on the River Scheld over which are Ten Bridges upon them stand Stately and Commodious Houses incompassed and divided by so many interspersed Channels that the place is rendered exceeding Defensible by Reason of the great quantity of Water which can soon drown the Country round about Besides this it is Fortified strongly with excellent Walls and Rampiers incompassed with extraordinary broad and deep Ditches and by Reason of the great difference of Situation in several parts of the City it cannot well be Besieg'd with less than three Armies at once Here are several fine Buildings in it as the great Church of our Lady the large Convent of the Franciscans and another for the Dominicans the Town House with many Building for Publick Use. This Place has the Staple of French Wines and here is also made fine Linnen Cloth equalling that of Cambray with Water-Tabbies and such like Commodities This Town stands seventeen Miles almost West of Mons. Marienburg MArienburg Built by Mary Queen of Hungary Sister to Charles the Fifth in the year 1542. It is a French Frontier situated on the River Blanche It was besides the Situation so advantagious so excellently well Fortifi'd at first with a very strong Wall and four good Bulwarks that it was looked upon as impregnable if provided of a sufficent Garison of Couragious Men the loss of it to the incredible prejudice of these Countries being imputed to the base and unworthy Behaviour of the Defendents This Town stands Twenty eight Miles South East of Mons and as I take it is now Dismantled Phillipville PHillipville is another French Frontier Town Bordring on Liege built by Phillip the Second King of Spain for a Bulwark against the French and Honoured with his own Name It is but a small place but is a very strong Fortress strengthned with five Royal Bastions besides Walls and other good Works fit for Defence This Town stands about Twenty eight Miles South East of Mons. 4. Earldom of NAMUR NAmur has on the East Bounds the Bishoprick of Liege on the West Hainault on the North Brabant and on the South part of Luxemburg and the Bishoprick of Liege It is in length about 34 Miles and in breadth 30. It is plentifully stored with all Commodities Quality the Hills cloathed with Woods full of Fowl and Venison and the Vallies full of Corn rich in Mines and Quarries of Marble of all sorts It has in it Four Cities or Walled Towns and 184 Villages The Chief City is Namur The Chief Rivers are Rivers 1. Maes which runs through the midst of this Province into the Bishoprick of Liege and washes Charlemont Dinant Bovines and Namur 2. Sambre which here washes Charleroy and falls into the Mâ—es at Namur The Towns in this Province are thus situated Situation of the Town 1. Charleroy the most Western Town on the Sambre by the Borders of Hainault 2. Namur the Metropolis 17 Miles East of Charleroy on the Maes and Sambre and 30 nigh South-East of Brussels 3. Bovines or Bovigne 12 Miles South of Namur on the Maes by the Borders of Liege 4. Charlemont seven Miles South of Bovines on the Maes by the Borders of Liege and Luxemburg In this Province is also that remarkable Village of Flerus six Miles North-East of Charleroy standing on the Borders of Brabant 22 Miles nigh South of Brussels These Towns are all under the Spaniards Namur NAmur is the Chief City of this Province Description of the Chief Towns situated in a flat Bottom between two Hills upon the Confluence of the Maes and Sambre which divides the Town into two unequal parts the passage over both of them being by two Stone-Bridges which make the place both more commodious and more beautiful The City is adorned with a fair Market-place a Guild-Hall divers Churches a great Number of very good Stone-Buildings Here is also a stately and strong Castle standing upon a very high Hill the Situation of which renders it very defensible and much conduces to the strength of the Town Here are several Religious Houses of which that of the Franciscans is Chief This City is rich and inhabited for the most part by Nobility well trained and of a Martial Discipline having but few Merchants and Artificers among them Charleroy CHarleroy is a Frontier Town in this this Province which was built by the Spaniards in the year 1666. in Honour of the present King of Spain seated upon a rising Ground in the exterior and Western Angle made by the meeting of the Rivers Pieton and Sambre Soon after it was built it was quitted by the Spaniards and by the French soon after so fortified that it became one of the most considerable Holds in all these Countries as it is still It was restored to the Spaniards in the year 1679. This Town stands 14 Miles West of Namur and 21 East of Mons. Charlemont CHarlemont is also a Frontier Town of the Spaniards in the Bounds of this Province which was built in the year 1555. by Charles the Fifth from whom it took its Name It is very conveniently seated upon a Hill near the left Bank of the River Maes which affords it a good Trade and is a very strong Fortress though but a small Town and of very
exact and regular Fortification This Town stands 20 Miles South of Namur Bovines BOvines or Bovigne is another Frontier Town but whether of the French or Spaniards I am a little uncertain situated on the West-Bank of the Maes scarce two Miles from Dinant on the other side of the River It is but a small Town and of no very great Strenght but is chiefly considerable for its being a Pass between Namur and Luxemburg and for That it deserves here to be taken Notice of It stands 11 Miles South of Namur 5. Dukedom of BRABANT BRabant has on the East the Bishoprick of Liege Bounds and part of Gelderland on the West Zealand in the Vnited Provinces and Flanders on the North Holland and Gelderland and the South and South-West Namur and Hainault It is in length 90 Miles and in breadth 72. The Air is generally wholsom and good Quality the Soil naturally very fruitful except some of the Northern parts which are somewhat sandy and barren but those are managed to the best advantage It has in it 26 Cities or Walled Towns and 100 Villages The Chief City setting aside Antwerp is Brussels Chief Rivers are Rivers 1. Demer which washes Diest Sichen Aâ—rschot runs through Mecâ—lin and falls into the Scheld 2. Dommel which washes Eyndoven and Boisleduc and falls into the Maes 3. Senne which here washes Brussels and Vilvorden falls in the Demer and so to the Scheld 4. Aa which washes Helmont and falls into the Dommel at Boisleduc 5. Dyle washing Lovain And 6. Gias washing Tienen both falling into the Demer The Town in this Province are thus situated Situation of the Towns 1. Grave the most Northern Town on the Maes by Gelderland 2. Helmont 18 Miles South of Grave on the Aa 3. Eyndoven nine Miles West of Helmont on the Dommel 4. Boisleduc 16 Miles nigh North of Eyndoven on the Dommel and Aa 5. Breda 20 Miles West of Boisleduc 6. Bergen-op-Zome 18 Mile nigh West of Breda These are all under the Hollanders 7. Herentals 30 Miles South-East of Bergen-op-Zome 8. Liere 11 Miles South-West of Herentals 9. Sichen 14 Miles nigh East of Liere 10. Diest three Miles South-East of Sichen 11. Halen four Miles South-East of Diest 12. Leeuwe six Miles South of Halen 13. Tienen seven Miles West of Leeuwe on the Gias 14. Lovain or Loeven 10 Miles nigh West of Tienen on the Dyle 15. Vilvorden 10 Miles West of Lovain on the Senne 16. Brussels or Bruxels the Metropolis seven Miles South of Vilvorden on the Senne 17. Niville 12 Miles South of Brussels nigh Hainault 18. Gemblours 15 Miles East of Niville nigh Namur 19. Judoigne 11 Miles North-East of Gemblours 20. Hannuye nine Miles East of Judoigne These are all under the Spaniards Brussels BRussels Description of the Chief Towns or Bruxels the Chief City of this Province and the Seat of the Spanish Governour for these Countries a very large City sweetly seated on the River Senne It is compassed with a double and high Wall and very large Ditches in the Circuit thereof were formerly 74 Towers many of which have been since ruined It is well built and has large handsom and convenient Streets The King's Palace is a most Magnificent and Stately Building having Room enough to lodge several Kings at once to which belongs many excellent Gardens Grotto's Ponds Waterworks Walks c. The Senate-House is a Noble Pile of Building Here are also many other Magnificent Palaces a great Number of Religious Houses and Hospitals too many to mention here Here are seven Publick Fountains seven Principal Streets about which are seven stately Houses rented by the Publick seven Parish Churches seven Noble Families seven Licensed Midwives and seven Gates of Dorick Work The Artificers and Tradesmen make Fifty Two Companies All which Constitute nine larger Bodies among which the Cutlers and Armour-makers are chief Lovain LOvain Louvain or Loeven is reckoned the Second City in this Province the head of a Quarter or Tetrarchy most pleasently seated on the River Dyle and is one of the largest places in the Low-Country being three Rod more in Circuit than Ghent within the Walls in which are many delightful Fields pleasant Orchards and fine Gardens It is encompassed with large deep Ditches cut in many places through a Flinty Rock or very hard Gravel The Walls are strongly built being raised from the very bottom of the Ditch so that scarce a third part of the Work comes at a distance into view and in the Circuit of these Walls are 53 Towers and no less than 16 Draw-Bridges placed conveniently for the better securing of the Gates which are in number 11 built all of curious white Stone The Buildings of the Town in general are neither well built nor well kept but the Stadt-house is a stately Structure Here is a famous University which has 43 Colleges The Orders of the Dominicans Franciscans and Carthusians have each of them a Convent The Jesuits have also their proper College This Town stands 15 Miles East of Brussels Boisleduc BOisleduc or Hertogen Bosche the Head of a Quarter or Tetrarchy a Frontier of the Hollanders Situated upon the Confluence of the Dommel and Aa It is of a Triangular Form seated on a Hill in the midst of a Fenny level of great extent so that the Avenues to the Town are upon Artificial Causays made turning and winding to be commanded in all Places by one or other of the six Scounces or Forts at some distance without the Town It is encompassed with a strong Wall and a deep and broad Ditch seconded by good Bulwarks and Ramparts and all other such Works as may render a Town so commodiously Situated little less than impregnable Several Canals some bearing large Vessels run through this City over which lie Fifty one Stone Bridges and Thirty eight Wooden ones The Market place is spacious enough and is remarkable for the fair Building wherewith it is Surrounded It has a great Trade in Needles and Knives of better Metal besides great quantities of Woollen and Linnen Cloth It stands Sixty two Miles North East of Brussels Breda BReda a Frontier of the Hollanders in Boisleduc Quarter a place pleasantly seated and is considerable for its bigness and is both well built and populous and also a place of great Strength being encompassed with very thick Walls and Mounts of Earth and two Trenches always full of Water one whereof is very broad and deep The Town is handsomely built and has a strong and beautiful Castle and fair Palace for the Prince of Orange our King to whom the whole Town do more properly belong Here is commonly a good Garison and ever since the surprize of the Town by the Turf Boat it is the custom to search all laden Boats by stabbing them with a Spit This Town stands Forty eight Miles North of Brussels Bergen op Zome BErgen op Zome is another Frontier of the Hollanders of singular importance by Reason of its
Maeseyck 11 Miles East of Brey on the Maes bordering on Juliers 5. Stochem five Miles South of Maeseck on the Maes 6. Herk 25 Miles nigh West of Stochem on the Herk 7. Haffelt five Miles East of Herk on the Demer 8. St. Truyen eight Miles South-West of Haffelt 9. Tongeren 10 Miles East of St. Truyen 10. Bilsen five Miles North-East of Tongeren 11. Maestricht six Miles East of Bilsen on the Maes by Limburg This is under the Hollanders 12. Liege or Luyck the Metropolis 13 Miles South of Maestricht on the Maes 13. Hoey on the same River 14 Miles South-West of Liege 14. Chiney 17 Miles nigh South-West of Hoey These are all except Maestricht under the Bishop of Liege 15. Dinant 10 Miles South-West of Chiney on the Maes 16. Florennes 10 Miles West of Dinant 17. Walcourt or Valencourt seven Miles West of Florennes 18. Thuin 10 Miles nigh West of Walcourt These are all under the French Liege LIege or Luyck Description of the Chief Towns is the Principal City in this Province situated in a pleasant Valley environed with Hills the River Maes entring it in two Branches accompanied with lesser Streams which make many delightful Islands It is above four Miles in Circuit but inferiour to several others in these parts for Beauty or Riches the Houses being for the most part built of Timber some of them being covered with Boards and some with Slates and the Streets are neither broad nor cleanly kept On the Brow of a Hill which hangs over it stands the Citadel or Castle of great strength built to Command the Town without which it would be but of small Consequence It is a famous University Endowed with large Ecclesiastical Revenues Here are eight Collegiate and 32 Parochial Churches of these most are fair and stately The whole Town is made up of Thirty Two Companies of Freemen among whom the Goldsmiths have the Preheminence Maestricht MAestricht is the second City in this Province subject to the Hollanders It is situated upon the River Maes by which it is cut thorow not in the midst but on one side by the said River and the lesser part which lies towards Germany is called the Wick It is fortified with good Works besides a strong Wall and Trench and the Wick is said to be stronger than the Town Towards the South-East lies a Hill which rises gently and overlooks part of the Town under which is one of the Noblest Quarries of Stone in the World To prevent this Disadvantage the Bastion answering to it is built very high One Advantage to the Besieger is the Nature of the Earth which is very Minable and Commodious for Intrenching The private Houses are generally covered with black Slate otherwise not very beautiful The Town-House is a very fair Structure and the Stone-Bridge which joyns both parts of the City has nine Arches and is ve-beautiful Here are nigh Twenty Monasteries and three Dutch Churches and one common to the English and French Dinant DInant is a Frontier Town of the French in this Province on the Borders of Namur It stands on the East-Bank of the River Maes scarce two Miles from Bovines on the other side over which it has a Stone-Bridge It is but a small place but yet of account and was formerly of vast Trade but it has been so often destroyed that the Trade have been extreamly hindred but however the Inhabitants have a considerable Revenue from Black Marble Iron and Brass This Town stands 38 Miles South-West of Liege and 14 South of Namur 9. Dukedom of LIMBURG LImburg has on the East Bounds Juliers in Germany on the West the Bishoprick of Liege and the North part of Liege and Juliers and on the South Luxemburgh This is also accounted a part of the Circle of Westphalia in Germany being in length about Thirty eight Miles and in breadth Thirty This Province produces all necessary Commodities Quality except Wine which defect is Recompensed with excellent Wheat great store of Fewel and plenty of the best Iron Mines in all these Countries It has in it five Cities or Walled Towns and 123 Villages The Chief City in Limburg Chief Rivers are Rivers 1. Maes which runs but through a little part of this Province 2. Geul which washes Valkenburg and falls into the Maes 3. Wesdret which watereth Limburg and runs into Liege 4. Bervine which washes Dalem and falls into the Maes The Towns of these Province are thus Situated 1. Remborch the most North Eastern Town on the Borders of Juliers 2. Rolduck four Miles South ot Remborch on the Borders of Juliers 3. Falkenburg or Fauquemont thirteen Miles West of Rolduck on the Geul 4. Dalem ten Miles nigh South West of Valkenburg on the Bermine these are all under the Hollanders 5. Limburg the Metropolis 15 Miles nigh South East of Dalem on the Wesdret and 70 nigh East of Brussels This is under the Spaniards and is the only place of Note that they now have here Limburg LImburg is the Chief City in this Province Description of the Chief Towns which is Situated upon a Rock which overlooks all the Country round about at the bottom thereof runs the River Wesdrit almost round it among several shady Woods It is but a small City for it chiefly consists of one broad short Street neither is it considerable for its Beauty for the Building are for the most part of Wood but it is of no small Consideration for its Strength for it is encompassed with a strong Wall and a Trench and the access to it which is on the North side is extreamly difficult lying all along upon the edge of the Rock from one side thereof to the other the Gate of the Town over which are the Governors Lodgings spreeds it self and quite Locks up and Commands the whole Passage Ualkenburg VAlkenburg or Vauquemont is reckoned the Second City in Limburg said to belong to the Bishop of Liege though now under the Hollanders It is situated upon the River Geul and is large and indifferent neatly Built as well as tollerably Fortifi'd but the Castle which stands above it upon a steep Rock is a place of more than ordinary Strength being inaccessible and impregnable to an Enemy that brings not Cannon along with him In it are said to be certain Caves of so prodigious a Bigness that a whole Army may be well hid in them Yet in the year 1672 upon the News of the French coming it was immediately quitted It stands 20 Miles North of Limburg 10. Dukedom of LUXEMBURG LVxemburg or Lutzenburg has on the East Bounds the Archbishoprick of Triers in Germany on the West some of the Bishoprick of Liege and Champagne in France on the North Liege and Limburg and on the South Lorrain in France It is in length about Eighty two Miles and in breadth Seventy two It is for the most part fruitful of Corn Quality yielding also some Wines some Mines and many excellent
Quarries of goodly Stone The Western parts are somewhat barren of Corn but very plentiful in Fowl and Venison It has in it Twenty three Cities or Walled Towns and 1169 Villages The Chief City of the whole is Luxemburg Chief Rivers are Rivers 1. Moselle which here washes Maisiers Thionville Remich and Wasserbillich runs into Germany 2. Ourt which here washes Hofalize La Roche and Durbuy runs into Liege 3. Semoy which here washes Chiney and Buillon runs a little into France and falls into the Maes 4. Sour which washes Dietkick and Ethternack falls into the Moselle The Towns of this Province are thus situated Situation of the Towns 1. Durbuy the most Northern Town of Note on the Ourt 2. Bastoigne 21 Miles nigh South of Durbuy 3. Viander 19 Miles East of Bastoigne on the Vra. 4. Dietkirk six Miles nigh South of Vianden on the Sâ—ur 5. Arlon 17 Miles South-West of Dietkirk 6. Luxembourg the Metropolis 13 Miles nigh East of Arlon on the Alsitz and above 100 nigh South-East of Brussels 7. Rode Macheren 10 Miles nigh South-East of Luxemburg nigh the Moselle 8. Thionville six Miles South-West of Rode Macheren on the Moselle 9. Esche nigh 10 Miles North-West of Thionville 10. Virton 15 West of Esche 11. Yvoix or Ivoix 17 Miles West of Virton 12. Montmedy 12 South-East of Yvoix 13. Stenay or Altenay eight Miles nigh West of Montmedy on the Maes 14. Dampvillers 12 Miles South-East of Stenay 15. Masiers 32 Miles East of Dampvillers on the Moselle bordering on Lorrain These are all under the French In the Bounds of this Province lies the Dukedom of Buillon and Territory of St. Hubart both belonging to the Bishop of Liege though at present under the French The Chief Places are 1. St. Hubart 13 Miles VVest of Bastoigne 2. Buillon or Bovillon 19 Miles nigh South-VVest of St. Hubart Luxemburg LVxemburg or Lutzenburg Description of the chief Towns is the Principal City of this Province and is commodiously seated in respect of Strength upon the little River Alstitz which divides it into two equal parts the best part of it stands on the top of a Hill and is surrounded with very good and defensible Walls and other proper Fortifications thereto belonging It is of great compass and is indifferently stored with good Stone-Buildings but by reason of the many Hazards of War it has gone through many of the Houses were not only neglected but deserted by the Owners The Old Town which in former times was a large and well-built City is now but only the Suburbs to the New Here is a Cloister of Franciscans said to be founded in the Life-time of St. Francis It has been under the French ever since the year 1684. who since their late possession have much added to its Fortifications Thionville THionville is the second City in this Province commodiously seated upon the Western Bank of the River Moselle It is a place of very great Strength encompassed with a Brick and Stone VVall having six Bulwarks and strengthened with four large Hornworks the broad and deep Ditch which surrounds it not being destitute of VVater even in the greatest Drought in Summer The outward sloping Curtain is all along thick set with strong Stakes or Pallisadoes and before the Gate that opens towards Luxemburg is moreover raised a vast Hornwork This Town stands 14 Miles South of Luxemburg Montmedy MOntmedy deserves to be mentioned here though it is a place of no great bigness yet it is always reckoned a place of great strength It is very conveniently situated upon the top of an high Hill the foot whereof is watered by the River Chier It has been oftentimes taken by the French in the Wars of these later Ages which was generally imputed to its want of Provisions and a sufficient Garison GELDERLAND GElderland Bounds I mean only that part which is subject to the Spaniards or the Quarter of Ruermond has on the East and North Cleves in Germany on the West Brabant and on the South Juliers in Germany It lies some distance from the rest of Gelderland being 36 Miles long and 28 broad The Soil is Fruitful Quality and bears all sorts of Grains abounding moreover with rich Pasture Grounds which Fattens great droves of Cattel which are sent from many far places Chief Rivers are 1. Maes which runs through the midst of this part Rivers washing Ruermond and Venlo and so passes on dividing Brabant from the rest of Gelderland 2. Niers which washes Gelders and runs into Cleves The Cities or Walled Towns are only three Situation of the Towns and are thus situated 1. Gelders the Metropolis nigh the Borders of Cleves on the Niers about Eighty four Miles North East of Brussels 2. Venlo ten Miles South West of Gelders on the Maes nigh the Borders of Juliers 3. Ruermond or Roermond eleven Miles South of Venlo on the Maes likewise by the Borders of Juliers These are all Subject to the Spaniards Gelders GElders Discription of the Chief Towns the Chief City in this part and gives Name to the whole Province It is a place of no very great bigness seated in a very convenient place and receives the little River Niers into its Trenches It has a Castle of great Antiquity the antient Seat of those who were Governors of this Province under several Titles which together with the City it self is strongly Fortified by the Marshes that encompass them both but whether it may be imputed to this or to the firm Loyalty of the Inhabitants that it was never yet brought under the Jurisdiction of the Vnited Provinces I shall not presume to determine This Town stands 26 Miles nigh South East of Nimigen the Chief of the Province Ruermond RVermond or Roermond which gives Name to this Quarter or Part is situated on the River Maes where it receives the Roer very convenient for Defence It is a rich and well Peopled City and is remarkable both for the Strength of its Walls and the neatness of its Buildings It is a Bishops See and is Cathedral Church is dedicated to the Holy Ghost here is also an ample and wealthy Monastery of the Carthusians so much commended by Travellers This Town stands 21 Miles South of Gelders Archbishoprick of CAMBRAY CAmbray or Cambreses was some times reckoned a part of Hainault Bounds but distinct bounded on the North and East with Hainault on the West with Artois and on the South Picardy in France It is length 32 Miles and in breadth 18. The Soil of this Province is extraordinary Fruitful Quality producing great quantities of Corn Grains and several Fruits but is not altogether so good for Wines The Archbishop of this Province was sometimes reckoned a Prince of the Empire The Chief Rivers are Rivers 1. Scheld which here washes Crevecoer and Cambray and then runs into Hainault and Flanders 2 Selle which here washes Chateau Cambreses and runs into Hainault 3. Sambre which go through a little