- 1305: the Treaty of Athis-sur-Orge grants independence to Flanders, but gives the cities of Lille, Douai and Béthune to France
- 1356: death of Margaret, Countess of Hainaut
- 1576: death of Levina Teerlinc, court painter in England
- 1612: birth of André Tacquet, mathematician
- 1880: death of Albrecht Rodenbach, poet and inspiration for the Flemish movement