The
first known is “Magister
Physicus Hugonis Van de Cnocke” the late Decanus of Our Lady’s Church
in Antwerp, who’s ecclisial life is
discribed in the “De Geschiedenis van Antwerpen “ (The History
of the City of Antwerp) from Canonnicus Floris Prims (+) the archivist of
the City of Antwerp.
At
the same period there are about 6 “Jan Van den Cnocke” in Flanders –
from 1285 until 1500 - who’s existence
and the place they lived is affirmated by documents.
About
1554 “Ameet Vander Cnocke” is leaving Halewijn (now Halluin (F)) and
was going to the Northern Netherlants who he startet a new existence in
Bloemendael(NL) – His “branche” endet in his 4th descendent
generation with the death of Marijke Van der Knocke who died in
Haarlem(NL) on April the fourth 1737.
This
was the beginning of the
first emigration because of the Religiontroubles in Flanders – the
anabaptists, the followers of Luther and the calvinists
are afraid of the
pressure of the Katholics and the inquisition of Philips II of Spain.
They
went to the Northern Netherlands, to England , Germany and France. (between
1591 and 1600 seventhy flemish children are baptisised in Hoorn (Holland)
and in Haarlem (NL) the “Waalse Kerk” (Wallonisch Church) was founded.
Today
after many researches we believe that the cradle of the “Van de
Cnocke’s” was in South-West Flanders. Those descendents disperse
themself over Belgium, Holland, France und the USA.
In
the rubric “Parenteel” you will find all the places and number of
those descendents.
Since
1600 there are also persons with the “Knocke” name in Germany, USA,
and other country’s who are not linked for the moment to the Van de
Cnocke - Vandecnocke familys . .
About
1620 the descendents of Joannes and Anthonius Van de Cnocke are registered
in Herzeele (F) as “Vercnocke” (v_cnocke).
Looking
in the Index database you may start a pedigree of members who married a
Van de Cnocke – Vandecnocke (f.i. Albrecht – Baert – Catteuw
- Delva
- Messiant - S’Jegers –
Tourné – Westerlinck
- Wuytack)
Antwerpen
01/07/2001
Marcel Van de Cnocke
