It was created on 1 October 1795, when the Austrian Netherlands and the Prince-Bishopric of Liège were officially annexed by the French Republic.

[2] Prior to this annexation, the territory included in the department had lain in the County of Namur, the Prince-Bishopric of Liège and the Duchies of Brabant and Luxembourg.

Its territory is now divided between the Belgian provinces of Namur and Luxembourg.

The Prefect was the highest state representative in the department.

The office of Subprefect of Namur was held by the Prefect until 1811.