Barbara and I collected photos during our stay in Ypres, showing before the war, the devastation, and the rebuilding mostly done by 1926. The residents say that Germany wasn't forthcoming with reparation funds.
I was surprised that the city had been rebuilt, and so beautifully. I had expected that we would find ruins. What a proud lot the townspeople are. This big building is the famous Cloth Hall or market.
1915 refugees
Ypres dates back to the 9th century. It was one of the centers for cloth, and supported by the easy access to the North Sea for shipping to and from Europe.
1919 Devastation. Can you recognize the Cloth Hall? Or the Cathedral?
Full recovery showing both the Cloth Hall and the Cathedral.