The villages of Zonnebeke congregated around a large Augustinian abbey and its associated Benedictine convent in Nonnebosschen.

[2] Another battle during World War II during the Allied advance across Europe, where Passendale was used in a defensive operations by the Nazis, did little damage.

Today, Zonnebeke has returned to its long-time balance between agriculture, small business and work in the neighbouring towns.

[3] It was made public in spring 2006 that the brickworks had received a licence for the extension of its blue-clay extraction zone.

The Association for Battlefield Archaeology and Conservation, using maps compiled of 350 underground structures under the management of Belgian archaeologist Johan Vandewalle and British TV producer Peter Barton, showed that at least one structure was near to the proposed development zone, believed to be the Vampire dugout,[7] which had been rediscovered in 2007.

Following discussion with local preservation, historic, council and state officials, the ABAC was allowed to start a scientific research project.