Editing Rotselaar

{{Short description|Municipality in Flemish Brabant, Belgium}}
{{Infobox Belgium municipality
|name             = Rotselaar
|picture          = 9013rotselaarChurch.jpg
|picture-legend   = Church in Rotselaar
|map              = Rotselaar Flemish-Brabant Belgium Map.svg
|map-legend       = Location of Rotselaar in Flemish Brabant
|arms             = Rotselaar wapen.svg
|flag             = Rotselaar vlag.svg
|arrondissement   = [[Leuven Arrondissement|Leuven]]
|nis              = 24094
|pyramid-date=01/06/2005
|0-19=23.77
|20-64=60.09
|65=16.15
|foreigners=1.93
|foreigners-date=01/07/2005
|mayor            = Jelle Wouters (CD&V)
|majority         = [[Christian Democratic and Flemish|CD&V]], [[N-VA]]
|postal-codes     = 3110, 3111, 3118
|telephone-area   = 016
|web              = [http://www.rotselaar.be/ rotselaar.be]
|coordinates      = {{coord|50|57|N|04|43|E|region:BE|display=inline,title}}
}}

'''Rotselaar''' ({{IPA|nl|ˈrɔtsəlaːr}}) is a [[Municipalities of Belgium|municipality]] located in the [[Belgium|Belgian]] province of [[Flemish Brabant|Flemish-Brabant]], near the convergence of the [[Demer]] and the [[Dijle]]. Since 1 January 1977 the municipality comprises the towns of Rotselaar proper, [[Werchter]] and [[Wezemaal]]. On 1 January 2006 Rotselaar had a total population of 15,068. The total area is 37.57&nbsp;km² which gives a [[population density]] of 401 inhabitants per km².

==Geography==

Rotselaar is located at the convergence of two rivers, the [[Demer]] and the [[Dijle]], which in turn have the [[Winge (river)|Winge]] and the [[Losting]] as tributaries, and the [[Laak River]] forms the border between [[Werchter]] and [[Tremelo]] to the north. It's also located at the junction of three [[geographical]] areas. In rough terms, Werchter to the north of the Demer is a part of the [[Campine|South Campine]], Wezemaal and Rotselaar Heikant of the [[Hageland]], whereas Rotselaar-Centre to the west of the Dijle is a part of [[Binnen-Vlaanderen]] (Inner Flanders), which is also known as [[Dijleland]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.rotselaar.be/Index.aspx?SGREF=3973
|title=Rotselaar Geografisch
|publisher=The Municipality of Rotselaar
|access-date=2007-07-05
|language=nl
}}</ref>

==History==

Rotselaar and [[Wezemaal]] were first mentioned in written accounts in 1044. Only a century later, between 1138 and 1152, [[Werchter]] appears in historical documents.<ref name="History"/>
[[File:Blason Jean de Wesemale, Maréchal de Brabant (selon Gelre).svg|thumb|Coat of John of Wesemaele, Marshall of Brabant]]
In the 12th century, Rotselaar and Wezemaal were ruled by the [[Duke of Brabant]], whereas the Counts of [[Aarschot]] and the House of the Berthouts controlled Werchter. From about 1170, [[vassals]] of the Duke of Brabant settled at Wezemaal and Rotselaar. In the course of the 13th century, these vassals rose to the noble [[Hereditary Marshal of Brabant|Hereditary Marshals of Brabant]] and started to "rule" the [[dominium]] of Rotselaar and Wezemaal as lords. In the 14th century, the Lords of Wezemaal and Rotselaar managed to detract Werchter (and [[Haacht]]) from the sphere of influence of the House of the Berthouts, thus uniting the three villages of Wezemaal, Werchter and Rotselaar for the first time in history, which from that moment on together formed the Land, or the [[Feudal barony|Barony]] of Rotselaar. The Barony of Rotselaar passed into the hands of the powerful [[House of Croÿ]] in 1516, to be added to the [[Margraviate]] of [[Aarschot]], which was later elevated to the Duchy of Aarschot in 1533.

Until deep in the 19th century, the inhabitants lived primarily of [[agriculture]]. From 1488 onwards, the population of Wezemaal, Werchter and Rotselaar was severely hit by periodically recurring wars (1488-1489, 1542, and a series of wars from 1570 up to 1750). From 1750, welfare began to increase again, first thanks to agricultural innovations and in the second half of the 19th century thanks to the effects of the [[Industrial Revolution]].

An artillery duel was fought in Rotselaar in the [[First World War]], known as the ‘Slag aan de Molen’ (English: Battle of the Mill). In that battle, 360 [[Belgium|Belgian]] and [[Germany|German]] soldiers were killed. During the First World War, a total 67 houses were burned and 38 civilians were killed in Rotselaar.

==Etymology==

===Origin of the names Rotselaar, Wezemaal and Werchter===

The origin of the [[placename]]s is unclear. Rotselaar is thought to mean "laar of Hrosda". A ''laar'' (plural form is ''laren'') is an open spot or clearing in a forest suitable for living, ''laren'' were used quite intensively by man in the past, amongst others for grazing the cattle, and Hrosda is a male [[Germanic languages|Germanic]] name. [[Wezemaal]] is believed to come from "Wis" and "male" (a [[Depression (geology)|depression]]), and [[Werchter]] is thought to be a watername, but the meaning of the name is unknown.<ref name="History">{{cite web
|url=http://www.rotselaar.be/Index.aspx?SGREF=3955
|title=Geschiedenis
|publisher=The Municipality of Rotselaar
|access-date=2007-07-05
|language=nl
}}</ref>

When the name of Rotselaar first appeared in written accounts, it was spelled "Rotslar". Over the centuries, this evolved into "Rotselaer", and eventually into "Rotselaar". In [[Middle Dutch]], the "e" in "Rotsel'''ae'''r" was used to show that the vowel preceding it sounds longer, in modern spelling the vowel is doubled to achieve the same effect, which gives "Rotsel'''aa'''r".

===Meanings of the name Rotselaar===

The name "Rotselaar" can have four different meanings, and it is important to make a distinction between these meanings in order to avoid ambiguities. In a first meaning, "Rotselaar" refers to the whole of the [[Municipalities of Belgium|municipality]] of Rotselaar as it exists since the merger of municipalities that came into effect on 1 January 1977 and reduced the number of autonomous municipalities in [[Belgium]] to 589. If used in this sense, the name "Rotselaar" includes [[Wezemaal]] and [[Werchter]]. The term "Groot-Rotselaar" (Greater Rotselaar) is also commonly used to refer to Rotselaar, Wezemaal and Werchter as a whole. In a second meaning, "Rotselaar" refers specifically to the town of Rotselaar proper as it existed before the merger with Wezemaal and Werchter in 1977. This is, especially within Groot-Rotselaar, the most common meaning of the name "Rotselaar". In a third meaning, "Rotselaar" refers to the historical Land of Rotselaar, which comprised not only modern-day Rotselaar, Wezemaal and Werchter, but also other villages, such as [[Haacht]] and [[Wakkerzeel]]. The name "Rotselaar" in this sense is rarely used.

Rotselaar can also have a fourth meaning, where it refers to Rotselaar-Centre, as opposed to Rotselaar Heikant, which is also referred to as simply "Heikant". Rotselaar proper (as it existed prior to 1977) consists of two parts: Rotselaar-Centre and Rotselaar Heikant. If used in this sense, the name "Rotselaar" refers only to Rotselaar-Centre and doesn't include Heikant. In most cases, the name "Rotselaar" includes Rotselaar Heikant, but the name "Heikant" is commonly used to distinguish between the two parts of Rotselaar.

==Local government==
[[File:RotselaarTownHall.jpg|thumb|Rotselaar town hall]]

===Municipal Council===

The [[City council|Municipal Council]] is a [[unicameral]] body composed of 25 [[councillor]]s, including the [[mayor]] and [[Schepen|aldermen]]. The councillors are [[election|elected]] directly by the [[voters]] in the municipality. The Municipal Council is renewed entirely every six years. The municipal elections of 8 October 2006 were the first municipal and provincial elections in [[Belgium]] since the transfer of the competence with regards to the [[Municipalities of Belgium|municipalities]] and [[Provinces of Belgium|provinces]] from the [[Belgian federal government|Federal Government]] to the [[Communities, regions and provinces of Belgium|Regions]] on 13 June 2001.

The Municipal Council is responsible for everything that is of local interest. This organ draws up rules and ordinances, establishes municipal [[tax]]es, approves the [[budget]] and the [[Financial statements|accounts]] of the municipality, scrutinises the local services, and looks after the interests of its population in general ([[spatial planning]], [[road building]], [[security]], [[health]], [[youth]], [[sport]],...). The council also appoints the [[Schepen|aldermen]]. The [[mayor]] is nominated by the majority and appointed by the [[Flemish Government]]. The council meets once per month.

Between 2007 and 2013, the majority consisted of the [[Christian Democratic and Flemish|CD&V]]/[[New-Flemish Alliance|N-VA]] combined list, with 14 out of 25 seats. [[Open Vlaamse Liberalen en Democraten|VLD]] (5 seats), [[Socialist Party – Different|SP.A-Spirit]] (2 seats), [[Groen!|Groen!Sociaal]] (2 seats) and [[Vlaams Belang]] (2 seats) were in the opposition in the Municipal Council, and together had 11 seats out of 25. The [[Chair (official)|Presiding Officer]] of the Municipal Council was Werner Mertens ([[Christian Democratic and Flemish|CD&V]]).

Between 2013 and 2018, the majority consisted of CD&V and OpenVLD, CD&V having attained 12 seats, and OpenVLD 3 seats, forming a majority. NV-A (5 seats), GroenSociaal (2 seats) and anders (a local party, 3 seats) were part of the opposition.

In the elections of October 2018, CD&V stayed the largest party with 10 seats, followed by N-VA (5 seats), Open VLD (3 seats), anders (3 seats), Groen (3 seats) and SP.A (1 seat).<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.vlaanderenkiest.be/verkiezingen2018/#/gemeente/24094
|title=Uitslagen 2018
|publisher=Flemish Government
|access-date=2018-10-31
|language=nl
}}</ref> CD&V announced a coalition with the second party N-VA to form a majority for the legislative session of 2019 and beyond.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.hln.be/regio/rotselaar/cd-v-en-n-va-stellen-nieuwe-bestuursploeg-voor~a8163ba7
|title=CD&V en N-VA stellen nieuwe bestuursploeg voor
|publisher=HLN.be
|access-date=2018-10-31
|language=nl
}}</ref>

===College of Mayor and Aldermen===

The current [[mayor]] of Rotselaar is Jelle Wouters ([[CD&V]]). His primary responsibilities as mayor include, but are not limited to: security (police, fire service), personnel, communication, festivities, honorary and legal affairs.<ref>{{cite web
|url=https://www.rotselaar.be/burgemeester
|title=Burgemeester
|publisher=The Municipality of Rotselaar
|access-date=2022-11-07
|language=nl
}}</ref> The mayor is assisted by a number of [[Schepen|aldermen]], who together form the College of Mayor and Aldermen. Rotselaar is entitled to five aldermen because it has between 10,000 and 19,999 inhabitants.

===Coat of arms and logo ===
[[File:Rotselaar wapen.svg|150px|right|thumb|Coat of Arms]]
[[File:RotselaarLogo.png|150px|right|thumb|Logo]]
The official [[coat of arms]] of the municipality of Rotselaar was adopted by the municipal council in 1968 and ratified by [[Royal Decree]] in 1973. After the merger with the municipalities of Werchter and Wezemaal, the coat of arms was confirmed by the municipal council and 1981 and ratified in 1982.
The coat of arms consists of three [[fleur-de-lis]] [[gules]] on a field of silver.

In line with many other municipalities adopting modern fashions, the [[municipal government]] decided in 2002 to introduce a new [[Corporate identity|house style]] with a modern [[logo]] replacing the coat of arms in communication and on municipal documents.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.rotselaar.be/Index.aspx?SGREF=3955
|title=Historiek
|publisher=The Municipality of Rotselaar
|access-date=2011-11-14
|language=nl
}}</ref>

This is the meaning of the logo: the [[keep]] "Ter Heide" is the symbol for the [[cultural heritage]] of Rotselaar, the field tracks symbolise the [[rural]] aspects of the municipality and the [[agriculture]], the blue river is the symbol for the three rivers of Rotselaar, the [[Demer]], the [[Dijle]] and the [[Winge (river)|Winge]], and the lake, the green represents the [[natural environment]] and [[nature reserves]] of Rotselaar, the [[plantations]] and the hills covered with forests, and last but not least, the sun gives Rotselaar blossoming [[vineyards]] and refers to the [[recreational]] facilities and activities in Rotselaar.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.rotselaar.be/Index.aspx?SGREF=3954
|title=Logo
|publisher=The Municipality of Rotselaar
|access-date=2007-07-05
|language=nl
}}</ref>

==Demographics==

{{Main|Demographics of Rotselaar}}

==Education==

There are 7 [[primary school]]s in Rotselaar.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.rotselaar.be/Index.aspx?SGREF=3079&CREF=3815
|title=Basisonderwijs
|publisher=The Municipality of Rotselaar
|access-date=2007-07-05
|language=nl
}}</ref> There is also a [[secondary school]] in Rotselaar, the Montfortcollege, which has a good reputation in the field of [[education]] in the region. The Montfortcollege also offers [[boarding school|boarding facilities]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.rotselaar.be/Index.aspx?SGREF=3079&CREF=3825
|title=Middelbaar onderwijs
|publisher=The Municipality of Rotselaar
|access-date=2007-07-05
|language=nl
}}</ref> While many of Rotselaar's youths attend primary schools in Rotselaar itself, most go to secondary schools outside of Rotselaar because the waiting lists for the Montfortcollege are often very long, except for boarding school students. Of the youths who attend secondary schools outside of Rotselaar, most go to school in [[Leuven]]. The "Hagelandse Academie voor Beeldende Kunst" (Hageland Academy for [[Visual Arts]]) is also located in Rotselaar.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.rotselaar.be/Index.aspx?SGREF=3077
|title=Hagelandse Academie
|publisher=The Municipality of Rotselaar
|access-date=2007-07-05
|language=nl
}}</ref>

==Places of interest==

* The '''[[keep]] "Ter Heide"''', this unique tower is based on a [[Greek cross]] floorplan and was probably built around the year 1350 on order of Gerard vander Heyden, [[Landdrost|Drossard]] of [[Duchy of Brabant|Brabant]], who rose to the [[nobility]] through marriage. The keep, and the moat surrounding it, was meant to stress his prestige. The keep has six floors that are connected by a spiral staircase. The basement floor and the entrance level are roofed with a [[barrel vault]]. The tower was built in [[brick]] on a whitestone base, which is directly in the water. The construction was embellished with [[sandstone]] and [[ironstone]]. The keep has been protected as a [[monument]] since 3 July 1942 and was thoroughly restored in 1948. The keep "Ter Heide" is no longer open to the public.

[[File:Kerk Werchter.jpg|thumb|right|Saint John the Baptist's Church, [[Werchter]]]]

* The '''watermill "Van Doren"''', this [[watermill]] was first mentioned in the 12th century and was repeatedly expanded and restored since the 16th century. All these phases were preserved, so the building offers and overview of its [[archeological]] and industrial past. The water [[turbine]] (1902) has been restored in 1995, since then it generates [[electricity]] (70 kW) once more.
* The '''Sint-Jan-De-Doperkerk''' (Saint John the Baptist's Church) in [[Werchter]], this [[Church (building)|church]] dates back to 1439.
* The '''Sint-Pieterskerk''' (Saint Peter's Church) in Rotselaar, a [[Neo-Gothic]] church in the centre of Rotselaar which was rebuilt in 1846.
* The building of the former '''[[brewery]] Mena'''.


==Recreation==

The Domain Ter Heide is the main [[recreational]] domain in Rotselaar. It is also called, in [[Dutch language|Dutch]], "het meer van Rotselaar" or "de Plas van Rotselaar" (the lake of Rotselaar). It is popular among [[pedestrian|walkers]], [[cyclists]] and [[bird-watcher]]s. [[Fishing]] is allowed in the fishing zone domain from June 1 to April 15, between sunrise and sunset. But you have to have a public [[Flemish Region|Flemish]] fishing permit, which is available in the [[post office]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.rotselaar.be/Index.aspx?SGREF=4273
|title=Recreatie
|publisher=The Municipality of Rotselaar
|access-date=2007-07-05
|language=nl
}}</ref>

A variety of other [[leisure]] activities are also possible, such as [[human swimming|swimming]] or sunbathing. Outside of the swimming season, the domain's swimming zone is open daily from 08:30 to sunset, but during the swimming season it is open from 10:00 to 20:30. Access to the swimming zone is free for inhabitants of Rotselaar. Others have to pay for entry and swimming is only allowed when [[lifeguards]] are present and the green flag is out. The swimming season lasts roughly from the middle of May to the end of August, depending on the weather. The swimming zone is delimited by a ditch and a line of [[buoys]], and swimming is prohibited outside of this zone, among other reasons because there is a surfing zone as well. For reasons of [[hygiene]], dogs are not allowed during the swimming season in the entire domain, however, from September 1 dogs on a [[leash]] are allowed in the domain, but not in the swimming zone.

[[Windsurfing]] is allowed from the [[Easter]] holidays to October 15 in the surfing zone, which is separate from the swimming zone for reasons of safety. [[Ice skating]] on natural ice is possible as well, though rarely, but it is strictly forbidden to enter the ice unless the municipal government explicitly allows ice skating. If the municipal government allows ice skating, it will publish so in the local press, the "Dorpskrant" (a local newspaper published by the municipal government) and on the [[website]] of Rotselaar. There is also a [[nature]] zone in the domain, which is off-limits to the public. Other possible activities include, but are not limited to, [[Squash (sport)|squash]] and [[beach volleyball]].

==Rock Werchter==

[[File:PyramidM.JPG|thumb|left|Picture of the Pyramid Marquee at [[Rock Werchter]]]]

{{Main|Rock Werchter}}

Rock Werchter is a [[music festival]] held annually during the first weekend of the summer holidays in Werchter. It was first organised in 1974 and since 2003 the festival lasts four days, and the 2003 and 2005 editions won the Arthur award for the best festival in the world of the [[International Live Music Conference]]. It's the largest music festival in [[Belgium]] and one of the largest festivals in Europe. It's even famous over the Belgian borders. Each year, many renowned groups and artists perform at Rock Werchter, and over 320,000 people come to the festival. Originally it was a double-festival, called "Rock Torhout-Werchter", with two festival areas on different places in [[Belgium]]: one in Werchter and one in [[Torhout]]. There is also a "Rock Werchterroute", a cycling route, around Werchter and [[Leuven]], which also organises an annual music festival which is among the most popular in Belgium, [[Marktrock]]. {{clear left}}

==International friendship==

[[File:Cabo Verde Sal Espargos.jpg|thumb|right|Main street [[Espargos]]]]
Rotselaar maintains [[sister city]] relationships with [[Bad Gandersheim]], a city in southern [[Lower Saxony]], [[Germany]], located between [[Hannover]] and [[Kassel]], since 1987. In 1990, a [[town twinning]] committee was created for the purpose of furthering the ties between Rotselaar and Bad Gandersheim through visits, [[wikt:exhibition|exhibition]]s, language courses and other initiatives. An annual town twinning [[Workweek|weekend]] is organised as well, alternately in Rotselaar and Bad Gandersheim.<ref name="International">{{cite web
|url=http://www.rotselaar.be/Index.aspx?SGREF=3658
|title=Buiten onze grenzen
|publisher=The Municipality of Rotselaar
|access-date=2007-07-05
|language=nl
}}</ref>

[[File:Santa maria beach sal.jpg|thumb|right|Santa Maria beach]]
There has been a [[cooperation]] project between Rotselaar and [[Sal, Cape Verde|Sal]], one of the [[islands]] in the [[archipelago]] of [[Cape Verde]]. The island is around 30&nbsp;km long by 15&nbsp;km wide, and has roughly the same number of [[inhabitants]] as Rotselaar. Sal has 4 habitational centres: [[Espargos]] with the main urban and administrative centre  and the [[Amilcar Cabral International Airport|international airport]] of Cape Verde, Santa Maria, where [[tourism]] and [[hotels]] are situated, Pedra de Lume, once the site of salt collection (hence the name of the island, "sal" is [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] for "[[salt]]"), and Palmeira, a fishing village with a [[port]].<ref name="International"/>

The request for cooperation came from Sal itself. Basilio Ramos, then [[mayor]] of Sal, sought to establish a link with a [[Municipalities of Belgium|municipality]] in the vicinity of [[Leuven]]. As a former [[student]] of the [[Katholieke Universiteit Leuven|K.U.Leuven]] he wanted to strengthen the ties with [[Belgium]]. This form of cooperation is different from the others. The cooperation with Sal is a form of development cooperation where the accent is on exchange and partnership in the administrative and the professional fields, and in particular on the exchange of experiences in the fields of environment and [[youth work]].

In 1989, the [[municipal government]] adopted the [[Romania]]n village of [[Vrânceni]], which is a part of [[Căiuţi]] in the eastern [[Counties of Romania|county]] of [[Bacău]], as part of the project "AdoptieDorpen Roemenië" (Adoption Villages Romania). The local action committee organises various activities throughout the year, of which the yields go to the adoption village. Among others, a school building was constructed in Vrânceni with the help of Rotselaar.<ref name="International"/>

==Famous persons==

Famous persons that were born, lived or died in Rotselaar, Wezemaal or Werchter include, but are not limited to:

* [[Paul Bouts]]
* [[Jef Scherens]]
* [[Hugo Vandenberghe]]
* [[Cornelius Van Leemputten]]

==See also==
* [[Werchter]]
* [[Rock Werchter]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Historische aanteekeningen over de heeren en het land van Rotselaar (by Jozef De Ras, 1907)<br>''Historical annotations on the Lords and the Land of Rotselaar''
* Een landelijke parochie in de Middeleeuwen: Rotselaar van 1044 tot 1559 (by Bart Minnen, 1991)<br>''A rural parish in the Middle Ages: Rotselaar from 1044 to 1559''
* Geschiedenis van de arbeid en de tewerkstelling te Rotselaar (by Gaby Vandecauter, 1989)<br>''History of labour and employment in Rotselaar''
* Geschiedenis van Rotselaar-Heikant (by Victor Vanderhoeven, 1974)<br>''History of Rotselaar-Heikant''

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.rotselaar.be Official website of Rotselaar] {{in lang|nl}}
*[http://www.vrtnieuws.net/nieuwsnet_master/versie2/v2006/details/nnII_v2006_VlaamsBrabant_Rotselaar_gemeente/index.shtml Webpage on the 2006 municipal elections in Rotselaar] {{in lang|nl}}
*[http://rotselaar.watdenktu.nu/ Rotselaar Wat Denkt U Nu - Idea Box for citizens of Rotselaar] {{in lang|nl}}

{{Geographic location
|Centre = Rotselaar
|N  = [[Tremelo]]
|NE = [[Begijnendijk]]
|E  = [[Aarschot]]
|SE = [[Holsbeek]]
|S  = [[Leuven]]
|W  = [[Haacht]]
}}
{{Municipalities in Flemish Brabant}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Municipalities of Flemish Brabant]]