In the footsteps of the Count of Egmont

Jo Exelmans

Lamoral I of Gavere, better known as the Count of Egmont, was a general and statesman in the Low Countries. Although he remained loyal to the Spanish crown all his life, it was that very royal house that would ultimately have him executed. Today, many places in Brussels and the surrounding area still tell his story.

Under the wing of emperor Charles

Lamoral van Egmont was born into one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the Low Countries. When he lost his father at a young age, Emperor Charles V took him under his wing. He made sure that Lamoral received a military education at the imperial court in Spain. That was the start of a long career in service of the Spanish Habsburgs, who ruled over the Low Countries.

The Iconoclasm

Although Lamoral served them loyally for many years, tensions with the Spanish crown arose. When the regime became more repressive, he spoke out. That became clear during the Iconoclasm in 1566, when oppressed Protestants rose up and went on a rampage, attacking cathedrals, churches, chapels, and monasteries. They destroyed as many Catholic symbols as they could. As a devout Catholic, Lamoral van Egmont strongly condemned the Iconoclasm, but still tried to ease the repression of Protestants.

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Executed by the Spanish crown

The situation escalated completely when the Duke of Alba arrived in the Belgian regions. He had been sent by the Spanish king Philip II to restore order. Just weeks later, Alba had the Count of Egmont arrested under false pretences. The same fate befell his companion, the Count of Horne. Despite these dramatic events, Lamoral remained loyal to the Spanish king. It was all in vain, as he and Horne were sentenced to death anyway. On 5 June 1568, both noblemen were beheaded on the Grand Place in Brussels. Their execution sparked widespread protest in the Low Countries and is seen as the beginning of the Eighty Years’ War.

Kasteel van Gaasbeek

Visit castles and monuments in and around Brussels

There are many places in Brussels and its green outskirts that still commemorate the Count of Egmont. He spent his final night in the King’s House (now the Brussels City Museum) before being executed on the Grand Place. The underground ruins of the palace on the Coudenberg are silent witnesses of the power of the royalty that flourished during Egmont’s time. Did you know that the Count of Egmont once owned Gaasbeek Castle? These places are witnesses to his story, and well worth visiting!