Ledeberg has a long history. In the Middle Ages, two rural settlements arose in the shadow of Ghent's city walls along the roads to Brussels and Geraardsbergen. Between 1860 and 1870, during the Industrial Revolution, Ledeberg became one of Ghent's fastest-growing suburbs. Cotton factories, brickworks and shipbuilding yards were established along the banks of the Scheldt. Straight streets were laid out and connected by countless narrow alleys in order to accommodate as many small, inexpensive workers' dwellings as possible. Ledeberg became a densely populated urban area. The chaussée de Bruxelles remained a green space for a while due to the numerous large flower shops located there.
Illustration: ©Jeroen Janssen
