| Page Views: 4,662 Last Visit to Ieper: May, 2001 | YPRES by bugalugs - last update: Nov 7, 2004 |
When we visited Brugge, our son was studying WW1 in his history class, and what better way to learn about a place than to visit.
We drove to the town of Ypres which stands on the banks of the River leperlee.
During the 13th century Ypres was an important town in Western Europe due to the cloth industry. The gothic cloth hall was built at the height of its power.
On arriving we visited the tourist information office which is situated in the cloth hall and where the Flanders Field Muesum is also located. There we learnt that Ypres was severely damaged during WW1. but thankfully the buildings have been restored to their original condition.
We decided to visit some of the war grave cemeteries. There are actually more than 150 war cemeteries in Ypres and the surrounding area. The Commonwealth Graves Commission are responsible for the maintenance of all these cemeteries. |
|  | The first cemetery we visited was Essex Farm, where the famous poem 'In Flanders Field' was written by Dr. John McCrae.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
between the crosses, row on row,
that mark our place, and in the sky
the larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch, be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Dr. John McCrae |
| | There is a booklet available in the Information Centre that you can follow, called 'The Flanders Field Route'. It starts on the Vandepeereboomplein in the centre of Ypres in front of the Sint-Maartenskathedral. There are signs with arrows pointing in the direction to travel. These signs are numbered 1 to 31, passing cemeteries and monuments along the way.
It is a very good booklet, containing very good information and a map, and it cost 100 BEF.
The address for the Visitors Centre in Ypres is:-
Lakenhallen, Grote Markt 34, 8900 Ypres
Telephone Number - 32 57 22 85 84 - Fax 32 57 21 85 89
E-mail address:- toerisme@ieper.be
Some people may think it morbid to write a page about such terrible atrocities, but this is our history, and we should never forget all those who gave their life from whatever country they came from.
Please do not think you have to rate or comment about my page - if it makes you stop and think for a moment - or to say a prayer for peace - then it has served its purpose. |
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| Pros: | "A historical and poignant reminder" | | Cons: | "That such actrocities happened" |
bugalugs' Ieper Travel Tips
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 Comments for bugalugs about Ieper | | | | |
margaretvn Sun May 25, 2008 09:05 UTC
had another look at your page. we had a wonderful VT meeting there. | Ashleigh_Kobewka Mon May 28, 2007 07:08 UTC
When i visited Belgium i was also studying History at school and when you come here it really hits you. | iandsmith Sun Sep 3, 2006 09:42 UTC
My grandfather is commemorated there, I have to make the trip, thanks for sharing. | evaanna Sat Apr 8, 2006 15:36 UTC
What a tragic and sad place to visit, but we must remember it for the sake of those who perished. |
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