Laarne Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Laarne

Castle of Laarne

Flag	Coat of arms

Laarne

Location in Belgium

Country

Flemish Community

Arrondissement

Dendermonde

Area

• Total

32.07 km² (12.38 sq mi)

Population

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• Total

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Postal codes

9270

Area codes

Website

www.laarne.be

Laarne (pronounced like LAH-r-nuh) is a town in Belgium. It is located in the East Flanders province, which is like a large region. The area of Laarne includes two main parts: Kalken and Laarne itself.

As of January 1, 2018, about 12,487 people lived in Laarne. The total size of the town is about 32 square kilometers. The current mayor of Laarne is Andy De Cock. The mayor is the main leader of the town government.

History of Laarne
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History of Laarne

Laarne is located east of Ghent, a larger city. It is near where the Scheldt River used to flow. The town is famous for its old castle.

Laarne Castle's Story

The castle in Laarne was first built in the 1100s. It was changed and added to over many centuries, especially in the 1600s. Today, the castle has been carefully fixed up and filled with old furniture. It looks much like it did long ago.

What Laarne Means

The name "Laarne" comes from an old Germanic word, hlaeri. This word means a place that was once wooded and marshy. A marshy area is wet and swampy.

It is thought that the town of Laarne grew up around the castle. The castle likely helped protect the river path to Ghent from the sea. In the 1100s, the river was closer to Ghent than it is today. The name "Laren" was first used for the area in 1040.

Who Owned Laarne?

Over time, the ownership of Laarne and its castle passed through different families. This happened through inheritance, meaning it was passed down from parents to children. Families like Schoutheete and Van Vilsteren owned it. Eventually, it came into the hands of the counts of Ribaucourt.

Today, the castle is owned by a group called the Vereniging van Historische Woonsteden van België. This group works to protect historic homes in Belgium.