Lier

Lier is a commune in the province of Antwerp in northern Belgium, at the confluence of the Little and Great Nete Rivers. Founded in the 8th century, the early town was associated with St. Gummerus, died 774 CE, who was a courtier to King Pepin and became a hermit here to escape his nagging wife. It received town status from Duke Henry of Brabant in 1212. The site of much northern European strife over the ages, it was besieged and captured by the Spanish in 1582, by the Dutch in 1595, and by the English in 1706 during the War of the Spanish Succession. Belgian nationalists repelled a Dutch attack there in 1830. World War I caused the destruction of much of the town, but a significant amount of its medieval architecture has survived. Notable buildings include Saint Gummarus' Church, built 1425-1577, and the 17th century Zimmer Tower, which features a multifaced astrological clock. Traditional industries include lace making, embroidery mills, and the manufacture of clothing, beaded bags, and musical instruments. The 2003 estimated population is 32, 500.