History Uccle

uccle map of 1777

according legend, uccle s church of st. peter dedicated pope leo iii in year 803, charlemagne , gerbald, bishop of liège, attending ceremony. during following centuries, several noble families built manors , took residency here. first mention of name woluesdal, evolved wolvendael, dates 1209. in 1467, isabella of portugal, wife of philip good, duke of burgundy founded franciscan convent on uccle s territory. later, uccle became judiciary capital of area including brussels. throughout stages of history, however, village of uccle had predominantly rural character , lived products of forestry , agriculture.

at end of 18th century, few years after french revolution, uccle merged neighbouring territories become commune, own mayor , municipal assembly. had wait until 1828, however, dutch authorities allow construction of first town hall. time of economic prosperity , growth, stimulated proximity 2 main roads linking brussels industrial south. newer , larger town hall built between 1872 , 1882. banker , philanthropist georges brugmann contributed lot urbanisation of city before turn of 20th century. in 20th century michel van gelder introduced new breed of chicken, d uccle, named after town. despite accelerated rate of construction took place in 20th century, uccle succeeded in keeping several of green areas intact, attract many of brussels area s wealthier inhabitants.

lying beyond forest , ixelles , skirting sonian forest, uccle brussel s largest , southerly commune. large, 19th-century detached houses generous gardens make green , calm suburb favourite well-off expatriates, art deco area around royal observatory , fringes of sonian forest 2 desirable addresses.