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Ever had the Carolingian king Karel de Kale in Petegem close to the Schelde river a luxurious castle. In the middle ages came in the same Petegem, Flemish feudal lords and exponents of the top nobility. To the end of the 13° centuries, Gwijde van Dampierre pressed a deep stamp on the village and surroundings. Gwijde van Dampierre bought in 1286 the barony of Petegem and repaired the citadel. His wife Isabella of Namen, founded there a woman abbey of the Arme Klaren. The abbey became on 26/12/1293 inhabited. During 5 centuries, the convent of Beaulieu continued exist to at the decree of 1783, when Jozef II liquidated many orders. In 1786, all the bldg. were sold and were mainly demolished. In the entrance gateway shines the weapon shield of Gwijde van Dampierre (Guy de Dampierre, count of Flanders). In spite of a moved past these bldg. still testify of a once rich history.
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