A lecture by Christophe Declercq at Aberystwyth has set communities across north and mid Wales buzzing with research into their own hidden histories about the over 4,500 Belgian Refugees in Wales during the First World War.

The Wales for Peace-organised lecture, hosted by the University of Aberystwyth International Politics Department, was well-attended.

An expert on the Belgian Refugees in the UK, Mr Declercq is linking his findings from Wales to research undertaken in Belgium.

He said: “There is still so much to uncover about the history of Belgian refugees during WW1 in Wales. The Welsh story also seems particularly fascinating given the links with artists, musicians and craftsmen and evidence that the refugees’ legacy is still being appreciated by the people of Wales today.”

Mr Declercq praised host Jan Ruzicka, the National Library of Wales and the Cambrian News for highlighting the issue.

“It was a particular delight to meet a fellow-enthusiast and researcher into Belgian Refugees, Peter Evans, who has contributed greatly to the local research about the Belgian refugees in the area, ” he said.

At Llanwenog, a visitor from Belgium was overwhelmed when he walked into the church, to be greeted by parishioner Mary Thomas, playing the organ, and Hazel Thomas from People’s Collection Wales. He immediately recognised the Flemish influence in the structure and fine carvings by Belgian Refugee, Joseph Reubens.

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