Fleurus Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Fleurus

Fleuru (Walloon)

Municipality

Coat of arms

Fleurus

Location in Belgium

Country

French Community

Arrondissement

Charleroi

Area

• Total

59.28 km² (22.89 sq mi)

Population

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• Total

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Postal codes

6220-6224

Area codes

071

Website

www.fleurus.be

Fleurus is a town and municipality in Wallonia, a region in Belgium. It is located in the province of Hainaut. Fleurus is famous for being the site of several important battles throughout history.

The municipality of Fleurus includes several smaller areas. These are Brye, Heppignies, Fleurus, Lambusart, Saint-Amand, Wagnelée, Wanfercée-Baulet, and Wangenies.

History of Fleurus
- Famous Battles in Fleurus
- Fleurus in World War II
Economy and Industry
Images for kids
See also

History of Fleurus

Very old traces of farming have been found in the Fleurus area. These date back to the Neolithic Age, also known as the New Stone Age. Later, ancient roads called the Chaussée Brunehaut were built here. These roads might have been made by the Roman Empire.

In 1155, Fleurus officially became a city. This happened thanks to Henry IV of Luxembourg, who was also the Count of Namur. Henry IV even had a castle nearby in Heppignies.

Famous Battles in Fleurus

Fleurus is well-known for several major battles that took place nearby. These battles were so important that some ships were even named after Fleurus. There is also a "Rue de Fleurus" (Fleurus Street) in Paris, France.

Battle of Fleurus (1622)

This battle happened during the Thirty Years' War. It was fought on August 29, 1622. Armies from Spain and the Holy Roman Empire fought against Protestant forces. The Spanish and Imperial forces won this battle.

Battle of Fleurus (1690)

Another battle took place on July 1, 1690. This was during the Nine Years' War. French forces fought against an army of Dutch, German, and Spanish soldiers. The French army won this battle.

Battle of Fleurus (1794)

The most famous battle happened on June 26, 1794. This was during the French Revolutionary Wars. The French army fought against a combined force of Austrian, British, and Dutch soldiers. The French won, which was a very important victory for them. This battle was also one of the first times a hot air balloon was used for military observation.

Battle of Ligny (1815)

Two days before the famous Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Napoleon I fought the Prussians near Fleurus. This battle is known as the Battle of Ligny. Even though it's called the Battle of Ligny, the main fighting happened just north of Fleurus. Napoleon's forces won this battle.

Fleurus in World War II

During World War II, there was not much fighting directly in Fleurus. However, a tank battle took place southwest of the town in September 1944. This happened at a place called Vieux Campinaire.

Economy and Industry

Fleurus has some important businesses. A children's book publisher called Proost is a big employer in the area. Also, a special institute called the Institut national des radioéléments is located here. It creates radioactive materials that are used for medical purposes, like in hospitals.