Auxbrebis

Auxbrebis, originally also written as A Brebis when recognized as échevins (Alderman) and Patrician thereafter as aux Brebis, is an old noble family name. The name has been attested as early as in the thirteenth century. They are illustrated as originating from the city of Dinant as merchants and copper beaters.

Auxbrebis is an old noble family, whom since the beginning of the fifteenth century conquered for more than two hundred years as a territorial district ruling family and became a dynasty of ironmasters. They were made members of nobility with the title of viscount. The family was based in Anseremme (Belgium), a submunicipality of Dinant. During that time, Dinant as well as Liège were part of the Southern Netherlands. Dinant was also known to be an important town included in the Prince-Bishopric of Liège. Before gaining ennoblement the Auxbrebis ancestors will have contributed to their uprising status; several family members held key positions within the magistrate or were mayor of Dinant. The family was formerly known to be wealthy and powerful, although the precise role of the Auxbrebis is not well known. The family is presumed to have participated actively in the economic development of the region. Dinant was renowned for its coppersmiths known as the dinanderie industry and according to writer Henri Pirenne's writings they probably covenanted with rich coppersmiths and traders with names from Dinant such as Salmier, Waudrechees and Charpentier being mentioned. Traders were known to have started their activities at several fairs such as at Champagne, Foire du Lendit (Lendit in Paris), Cologne, in the harbour of Dinant and especially in London (England) to where large quantities were exported.

The growing power of kings and princes in the fifteenth century is characterized by the constitution of the states. After an uprising in Dinant, Charles the Bold also known as le Téméraire attacked the city in August 1466. The city was plundered and destroyed, which caused a negative effect on the local dinanderie industrie, a sad defeat for the Auxbrebis family.Le Téméraire is known to have overnighted at the home of one of the family members on the night before the attack. The attack on Dinant is also known as 'the sac of Dinant'

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