The first houses of the hamlet of Obbrussel (meaning Upper-Brussels) were built between the 7th and the 11th century close to Altitude 100, one of the points of highest elevation in Brussels, now part of Forest.
In 1216, following strong demographic growth in the area, the Forest Abbey allowed Obbrussel to become an independent parish.
This independence, however, was to last only eighty years, after which the administration of the village was given to Brussels.
 By the 16th century, Obbrussel had grown to 41 houses.

In 1670, following orders from the Spanish government, the Count of Monterey built a fort in Obbrussel as part of the fortifications of Brussels to protect the city of Brussels against possible attacks.
 Erected in 1675, this fort was dismantled in the following century to give way to several important toll roads and urban development.
 The name of the Barrière de Saint-Gilles/Bareel van Sint-Gillis neighbourhood still commemorates those tolls to this day.
The first houses of the hamlet of Obbrussel (meaning Upper-Brussels) were built between the 7th and the 11th century close to Altitude 100, one of the points of highest elevation in Brussels, now part of Forest. In 1216, following strong demographic growth in the area, the Forest Abbey allowed Obbrussel to become an independent parish. This independence, however, was to last only eighty years, after which the administration of the village was given to Brussels.  By the 16th century, Obbrussel had grown to 41 houses.
In 1670, following orders from the Spanish government, the Count of Monterey built a fort in Obbrussel as part of the fortifications of Brussels to protect the city of Brussels against possible attacks.  Erected in 1675, this fort was dismantled in the following century to give way to several important toll roads and urban development.  The name of the Barrière de Saint-Gilles/Bareel van Sint-Gillis neighbourhood still commemorates those tolls to this day.
Saint-Gilles, Belgium