300th anniversary of the Battle of Oudenaarde

This year marks the 300th anniversary of the Battle of Oudenaarde. To celebrate the occasion, the Flemish city of Oudenaarde has planned a grand scale commemorative set of events to highlight its historical significance. In July, one of its largest events includes a live re-enactment of the battle held on a scale seldom seen in Flanders with groups of civilians turning Oudenaarde into an 18th- century town.

Other events include a large military Tattoo in the Great Market of Oudenaarde before the opening weekend of its temporary exhibition. Its major highlight is the scale model of Oudenaarde dating from 1747 and on loan from the French state but 3D and digital reconstructions of the landscape will offer original insight to the battle scene.

The War of the Spanish Succession had a major impact on European history and on the 11th of July 1708, England, Spain, the Habsburg realm and the seven united provinces formed a Great Alliance against France which claimed the Spanish Crown. Thousands of soldiers were killed and Louis XIV suffered a bitter defeat when the Duke of Marlborough, the English general triumphed in the war.

For more information, visit Visitflanders.co.uk.