Plasschendaele

Plasschendaele, in Dutch Plassendale, is a hamlet of Oudemburg. It is situated at the junction of the Nieuwpoort-Plasschendaele Canal with the Bruges-Ostend Canal. It is best known for its old protected locks that still have to be opened by hand. The historical maritime connection between Bruges and the North Sea via the Zwin was silted up in the 17th century. During the Eighty Years' War, access from Ghent to the Westerschelde became impossible due to the blockade of the Sea Beggar who had taken over Zeeland Flanders. Flanders no longer had a link to the sea. Ostend was presented as the most important port. The Ghent-Ostend canal was built with a lock in Plasschendaele. This lock was therefore of great economic importance and a real fort was built around it. When Sas-Slijkens was completed in Ostend, the locks and the importance of Plasschendaele disappeared. Author: WikipediaMore information