Marquess of Becelaere

The Marquess of Becelaere is a former French title, now extinct.

Becelaere, in Flanders, is an old spelling of Beselare, in Zonnebeke.

The title was created for Maximilien-Emmanuel de la Woestyne, 1st Marquess of Becelaere (1660-1729) in 1705 by Louis XIV.

His ancestors, the house of la Woestyne, had long possessed the Flemish lordship of Becelaere.

For over 400 years the family inhabited Beselare Castle.

Canon of Ghent: Maximilian van de Woestyne de Becelaere, died 1669.