Charles Roemers (1748-1838)

The time in which Charles Roemers, the main character of this book, lived, was one of great changes. During his long life he not only witnessed, but also took part in radical social upheavals as a lawyer, alderman of Maastricht, and representative in Paris. In 1795 he reached out to the French conquerors that a department of Nedermaas that was to be formed would not consist of the largest part of the former prince-bishopric of Liège, but only of what he called the 'Flemish' part. His aim was, among other things, to promote the economic development of this area through the construction of roads, canals and reclamations. After 1815, the department of Nedermaas became the (undivided) province of Limburg as part of the United Kingdom. The reign of William I quickly became a disappointment to him for all sorts of reasons. During the Belgian Revolt he was in favor of the preservation of the entire province of Limburg under Belgian rule.