Grembergen

Grembergen (French: "Grembergen-lez-Termonde") is a town in the municipality of Dendermonde in the Denderstreek in the province of East Flanders in Belgium. It is often confused with the municipality of Grimbergen in the province of Flemish Brabant.
Overview.
Grembergen was first mentioned in 1019 as Grendberga. During the 13th and 14th century, the village was reasonably prosperous as a centre of lace production. The village was flooded several times.
The old church was destroyed in 1706 by French troops. In 1709, the Saint Margaretha church was built partially from scavenged material of the old church.
Castle.
Het was built in the 13th century. In 1489, the castle was destroyed by Albert III. In the late 16th century, the castle was rebuilt. The castle was damaged several times by warfare, however the damage could be repaired.
In 1858, the symbolist painter Fernand Khnopff was born in the castle which was the property of his maternal grandparents called Mortgat.
In 1944, the retreating German army set fire to the castle leaving a ruin. In 1996, a reconstruction project was started.