Ursel family

History

The Ursel family roots are in Schmalkalden, Germany, and it originally had the name Schetzenbergh. In the late 15th century, some members moved to Hasselt and Antwerp. Amongst the family members we find Gaspard II Schetz, the Lord of Grobbendonck, who married Catherine van Ursel, daughter of Lancelot II of Ursel. The three daughters of Lancelot II died without heirs, and by request of Barbe of Ursel, Conrad III Schetz was adopted by her. His descendants carrying the name 'van Ursel'.The ancestors of Lancelot II came from Antwerpen, and held important offices. Conrad Albert, Baron of Wesemael and Lord of Highene was created First Duke of Ursel by imperial decree of Charles VI in 19 aug, 1716 and later he was created First Duke of Hoboken on 24 april 1717.

During the centuries the family had the privilege of beeing the hereditary grand veneur and Haut Forestier of Flanders (Forestarius), a ceremonial function at court of the Count of Flanders.

Patrimonium

Today the Ursel family still holds residence in a few important old castles like Hex Castle, property of count Ghislian d'Ursel and the large Castle of the Counts d´Ursel in Durbuy, descendants of Antony Schets, Count of Durbuy. Moulbaix Castle was recently sold, after the last Countess d´Ursel passed away. Beerlegem Castle is the private residence of Count Hubert d'Ursel de Bousies, by marriage a descendant of Lopez-Maria Rodriguez d'Evora y Vega, 1st Marquess of Rode, the original Marquess of Rode. Another residence Smissenbroek Castle is the property of Count Augustin d'Ursel de Bousies, this castle comes from the same heritage of Rodriguez d'Evora y Vega and is family property since 1808.

The main summer residence of the family was d'Ursel Castle in Hingene, since the 18th century private property. Even today the main graveyard of the Dukes of Ursel is next to the church of Hingene. The successful restoration of the castle received the Flemish Heritage award.

Today the family is still known in Belgium, and form an important part of local society. Public appearances of the fmaily are often reported in the local papers. The Current duke still keeps a high ceremonial rank in Belgium, he is a member of the noble Families du Salon Bleu, and was adressed as Monseigneur.

Members of the House of Ursel are allied to many old and important noble houses of Belgium. Even today these unions give them a large network in society. They are allied and married to the house of von Lobkowicz, Zu salm, Thurn und Taxis, von Arenberg , de Clermont-Tonnerre , de La Trémoille, Cornet d'Elzius , De Croy, de Merode, de la Rochefoucauld, de Riquet, Prince de Caraman-Chimay, de Lannoy, d'Oultremont, von Schönburg-Glauchau, de Brouchoven de Bergeÿck, de Spoelberch, de Broqueville, Visart de Bocarmé, de Hemricourt de Grunne, von Hohenlohe, de Villenfagne de Vogelsanck, de Bèthune-Hesdigneul.

The current Duke of Ursel is Stephane, grandson of Henri, has left Belgium and lives with his family in Central America. Therefor the Comital branch of the family is the only branch residing in Belgium. His mother the dowager Duchess resides in Belgium, with her youngest son Didrik, Count d´Ursel.

Titles

The head of the family still holds old recognised titles, given from father to son for generations.

Descendants Renout, Mayors of Antwerpen

Barons of Hoboken

Duke of Hoboken (Imperial Decree of 1717)

Count d'Ursel

Cadet family members are to beknown as Count or Countess d'Ursel.