SOUTH-EAST-FLANDERS ----- ZUID-OOST-VLAANDEREN
FLEMISH ARDENNES ----- VLAAMSE ARDENNEN
FLANDERS - BELGIUM ----- VLAANDEREN - BELGIE
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According to Maurits Gysseling (1), the place Etikhove was mentioned as "Attingohova" in 1116, "Atinchoven" and "Atingohova' in 1117 and "Atickhove" in the 13th century. The word "Etikhove" is a pure Germanic toponym coming from "Attinga hofa", meaning "farm of Atto's people". In 1820 some pre-historical items were discovered in a quarry behind the Saint-Britius church in Etikhove. It concerned flint axes, arrow heads and other polished silex stones. Remains of Roman residences have been found, too, in Etikhove. It probably concerned three living areas, along the Roman road Vloesberg (Flobecq)-Etikhove, at the crossing with the important Roman road Tongeren-Bavais. In 1843, 18 graveyards were discovered in the wood Maarkebos in Etikhove, containing bones, small vases and jars made of red soil, urns made of sealed red soil, coins picturing emperor Gordianus III (3rd century Roman emperor). Emperor Louis Debonnair (778-840), son of Charlemagne, donated Etikhove to the Monastry of Inde (near Aachen in Germany). It is probably the first time the village was mentioned in an official document (2). Etikhove was part of the region between Marke and Ronne, and belonged to the Duke of Kleef. Etikhove and Kerkem formed one feudal domain. Etikhove itself was divided in four fiefs, namely Drappendries, Overmalsak, Fiennes and Ladeuze. These fiefs, though small, had their vassals, too. The history of the fief of Ladeuze, in particular, has been well researched. The noble family de Ladeuze, originating from Wallonia, came to reside in Etikhove in the 15th century, where it built a castle. The castle was put up as a large farm, surrounded by a few small houses. It is said that the family de Ladeuze introduced the "escargots de Bourgogne" in Flanders. An estate description (staten van goed) of 1699 addressed Gerard de Ladeuze not only as Lord of Ladeuze, but also of Lord of the fief and parish of Etikhove, the fief Overmalsak and the fief Ten Berghe at Edelare. During the religious troubles of the 16th century, Etikhove became an assembly place of the Beggars. A Protestant temple existed in Etikhove till the end of the 19th century. During the first half of the 20th century, a colony of artists came to reside in Etikhove. Valerius De Saedeleer was the most important one. He lived in the Villa Tynlon from 1921 till 1937. In 1972, a large number of wall paintings dating back to the 1920's were discovered in a old pub in Etikhove. Economically, Etikhove is a typical village in South-East-Flanders : the main economic activity, agriculture, has always been complemented with other activities. Depending on the historical period, those supplementary activities were wool industry, flax industry, and, from the 15th/16th century on, the carpet and tapestry industry. In 1755, an important brewery was founded. In 1978, the local industry was made up by a factory for mineral drinks, employing 22 people, and a bronze foundry, employing 26 persons. It is estimated that about half the population of Etikhove has a job outside the village (3). Sources: (1) Maurits Gysseling: Toponymisch woordenboek van Belgie/Nederland. Duitsland, Luxemburg, Noord Frankrijk en West Duitsland (voor 1226 AD). Deel 1:A-M. Uitgegeven door het Belgisch Universitair Centrum voor Nederlandistiek, 1960 (Tongeren Durkkerij: Michiels) (2) According to Dr. Oscar Delghust, a local historian. (3) This text is based on information obtained from the Dutch website of the Town of Maarkedal : www.maarkedal.be  Acknowledgement to International Civic Heraldry |
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