Emelgem

Emelgem
Deelgemeente
Emelgem
Coordinates: 50°55′24″N 3°13′47″E
Country	Belgium
Province	West Flanders
Municipality	Izegem
Area
• Total	5.44 km2 (2.10 sq mi)
	Source: NIS
Postal code	8870

Emelgem is a village in the Belgian province of West Flanders and a part (deelgemeente) of the municipality Izegem. Emelgem was an independent municipality until 1964. On that moment Emelgem had an area from 5,44 km² and was counting 5049 inhabitants.

Emelgem is located close to the river the Mandel and to the canal Roeselare-Leie.

History

Even in antiquity Emelgem was inhabited, witness hereby are the prehistoric findings such as buildings and fire stones. Further, there also were Roman and Frankish findings.

Emelgem was long an agricultural village. Many inhabitants worked in the shoe and brush industry in the nearby city of Izegem. After the Second World War the village developed into a residential town and grew slowly with Izegem. On 1 January 1965 Emelgem was added administratively to Izegem.

Sightseeing

• The protected Sint-Pieters church from the 18th century.

Evolution from the inhabitants numbers

19th century

Year	1806	1816	1830	1846	1856	1866	1876	1880	1890
inhabitants numbers	1591	1689	1806	1932	1647	1776	1924	1853	2073
Note:results from the people counts on 31/12

20th century until the fusion with Izegem

Year	1900	1910	1920	1930	1947	1961
Inhabitants numbers	2460	3131	3124	3390	4129	4729
Note:results from the people counts on 31/12 until 1970 + 31 December 1976

External links

• Media related to Emelgem at Wikimedia Commons
• Official website