1. Beethoven's flemish ancestors

VIEW OF MECHELN (1750) Engraving by August Vind after Jean-Chrétien-Léopold Mechel The family of Ludwig van Beethoven does not come from Antwerp, as was assumed for some time, but from Mecheln. Since the 17th century they had been in residence there. (Archives of Mecheln)

 

SAINT-ROMBAUD AT MECHELN Water color by J. B. de Noter (18th century) The great-grandparents of Ludwig van Beethoven, Michel van Beethoven and Marie Louise Stuyckers, were married in this church in 1707, and their parents, Corneille van Beethoven and Maria Catharina Leempoel, in 1673. (Archives of Mecheln)

 

NOTRE-DAME AT MECHELN Water color by J. B. de Noter (18th century) On the 15th of February, 1684 Michel van Beethoven, greatgrandfather of Ludwig van Beethoven, was christened in this church. (Archives of Mecheln)

 

REGISTRY ENTRY OF THE WEDDING OF CORNEILLE VAN BEETHOVEN TO MARIA CATHARINA LEEMPOEL (February 12, 1673) The great-great-grandparents of Ludwig van Beethoven. (Church registry of Saint-Rombaud; Archives of Mecheln)

 

REGISTRY ENTRY OF THE CHRISTENING OF LUDOVICUS VAN BEETHOVEN (January 5, 1712) Ludwig van Beethoven's grandfather, who left Mecheln and moved to Bonn. (Church registry of Sainte-Catherine; Archives of Mecheln)

 

SAINTE-CATHERINE, AT MECHELN (18th century) Water color by van den Eynde Ludovicus van Beethoven, Ludwig van Beethoven's grandfather, was christened in this church on January 5, 1712. (Church registry of SainteCatherine; Archives of Mecheln)

 

REGISTRY ENTRY OF THE WEDDING OF MICHEL VAN BEETHOVEN TO MARIE LOUISE STUYCKERS (October 18, 1707) Ludwig van Beethoven's great-grandparents. (Church registry of Saint-Rombaud; Archives of Mecheln)

 

REGISTRY ENTRY OF THE CHRISTENING OF MICHEL VAN BEETHOVEN (February 15, 1684) Michel, son of Corneille van Beethoven and Maria Catharina Leempoel, was Ludwig van Beethoven's great-grandfather. (Church registry of Notre-Dame at Mecheln; Archives of Mecheln)