LOCQUENGHIEN, JEAN DE

(1517-1573 or 1518-1574)

Born in Brussels on 27 January 1517 or 1518, Jean de Locquenghien was a member of a family in service to the court of EmperorCharles V. Jean entered thelignageof Sleeuws, and, in this way, he secured posts in the city administration. He served as analdermanin 1547 and 1548, aburgomasterin 1549, 1550, and 1553, and a treasurer in 1551 and 1552.

In 1554, he succeeded to the post ofamman. He served here for 20 years, strictly enforcing the decrees of Charles V and Philip II. As burgomaster, he dug the first shovel of earth at the groundbreaking for theWillebroeck Canalon 16 June 1550. He died in Pamele, near Oudenaarde, on 1 April 1573 or 1574.