Medieval origins
The 9th-century, Frankish settlement of Dicasmutha laid at the mouth of a stream near the Yser (IJzer in Dutch). By the 10th century, a chapel and market place were already established. The city�s charter was granted two centuries later and defensive walls built in 1270. The economy was already then based mainly on agriculture and farming, with milk products and linen driving the economy. From the 15th century to the French Revolution, Diksmuide was affected by the wars that confronted the Netherlands, France, Spain, and Austria, with a corresponding decline in activity. The 19th century was more peaceful and prosperous.
Marked by World War I
At the outset of World War I, German troops crossed the Belgian border near Arlon, then proceeded hurriedly towards the North Sea to secure the French ports of Calais and Dunkirk. The Battle of the IJzer started in October 1914. Thanks to the water the Belgians could stop the Germans. At the end of October the Belgians had opened the gates of the Yser river and flooded the area. As a result, the river became a front line throughout the First World War. The city was first attacked on October 16, 1914 and defended by Belgian and French troops, which marked the beginning of the Battle of the Yser. Colonel Alphonse Jacques de Dixmude led the troops that prevent Diksmuide from being taken by the German Army. By the time the fighting ended, the town had been reduced to rubble. It was, however, completely rebuilt in the 1920s
